NZTE Grants
Grants for Business BA5
May 2007
This was hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) at
the White Heron on Wednesday 2nd of May.
| Alan Richardson, the Otago, Southland & Chatham Island
Regional Manager gave a brief overview on the NZTE and the grants
available to businesses looking to expand. |
 |
NZTE have a network of offshore offices (48 worldwide), together
with a large database of consultants who can be approached for
assistance and information. In 2006, 157 businesses provided 74.8%
of total exports. The challenge for NZTE is to get companies geared
up to promote exports.
Grants are provided for expansion to the world market, excluding
Australia. It is worthwhile visiting the website www.nzte.govt.nz and checking it out
for yourself. Grants are not just for large businesses, there are
several offered for smaller enterprises.
The criteria for grants available was outlined. Grants are not
freely given, nor is it regarded as a handout process. To be
successful a company must have a true and realistic vision of what
it wants to achieve and be prepared to go through a rigorous
process, which includes a major appraisal of the systems already in
place. However, although this may be daunting, it can only be
beneficial to a business, as the end reassurance is that the
business is functioning efficiently.
 |
Following on from this, Craig Coote from Quality Foods spoke
about their Company applying and being the recipients of two
grants. He outlined the process involved, how they handled it, and
how the money has been utilised for the good of Quality Foods. |
Craig stressed that if you are looking for a grant for expansion,
to talk with the NZTE - they are there to help, they want you to
succeed, and they have a huge knowledge base. Craig also advised
the importance of networking - asking questions of other people,
other companies. Knowledge is there to be shared so everyone can
benefit.
The evening was a fascinating insight into what is available and
the NZTE is fulfilling a vital role in the success of many
ventures.
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