Business Advice & Information

Poutama has mobile Business Advisers based in the King Country, Rotorua, Manawatu and Wellington and are regular visitors to Auckland. They can assist you with a range of advice and information on business development opportunities.

Our Business Advisers travel widely and regularly throughout the whole of Aotearoa – New Zealand and can arrange a visit to assess your business needs, wherever you are based, kanohi-ki-te-kanohi.

Our Business Advisers have worked closely with a vast range of Maori businesses, both new and established, including web designers, primary producers, tourism operators, franchises, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, film and television producers.

Developing Your Business

Planning the development of your business whether you are a new or existing business is essential. The business environment is in a state of constant change you cannot afford to sit back and let things happen around you. You must continue to keep abreast of market trends and ahead of the competition. It is often said that ‘If you fail to plan then you are planning to fail’ another common saying is ‘Remember to spend time working on your business rather than in your business’ its important to grasp the distinction. There is no shortage of advice and information to help you develop your business.

Services for the planning and development of your business include the Te Puni Kokiri Maori Business Facilitation Service (MBFS). This is a free business development service for Maori interested in starting up a business or wanting to improve an existing business. MBFS also offers a free mentoring service you can also access mentoring services through the Business In the Community mentoring scheme.

There is also a number of business planning and development organizations called Economic Development Agencies located throughout Aotearoa. Once in the site you will see a map, click on the location nearest to you and then search for the service you want. Assistance for the development of your business can also be accessed through the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) site.

You can click here for information on How to run your business better. This site provides easy to understand information on key issues that effect businesses, such as - tax, employing staff, OSH and ACC - as well as other relevant topics. The site also includes information on training courses.

One of the major issues a business will face especially if it is experiencing growth is the employment of people and in particular employing the right people. It is important that proper processes are followed when hiring or dismissing employees, getting it wrong can have a major effect on a business. The Employment Relations Service site contains basic information on laws relating to the workplace. It outlines the main rights and obligations of employers and employees. The site takes you from the start of the employment relationship to the end. It also provides you with some suggestions on good practices for employment relations.

 

Accessing Grants, Loans and Finance

In addition to the Poutama's Micro-finance services, there are other forms of funding to help you develop and grow your business. The Ministry of Economic Development has a website that lists sources of capital for Small-Medium size enterprises.

Business loans are available from most banks and financial institutions as long as you meet their criteria a key one being having a business plan. There are also other factors you need to take into account when applying for a loan. The National Bank for example offers a number of business start up and building your business packages to assist you in applying for a loan.

The Maori Women’s Development Fund offers loans of between $5,000- $20,000 for start up and expansion. Loans are available for both women and men, market interest rates apply and security is required. Ngai Tahu Finance Ltd also offers loans of between $1,000-$500,000 for expansion, development, replacement, early-stage, start-up, and turnaround.

Contact Poutama on freephone 0800 476 882 to speak with the Business Adviser located closest to your business.