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.
Printer Friendly Page 
