Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.
Search for your local area to find free business advice, networking groups, funding and local grants.
Keeping it going profitably is an entirely different matter.
Start Your Own Business is designed to help anyone running their own business or thinking of doing so. The aim is to increase your chances of success by providing a selection of FREE start-up resources and to highlight the support that is available in each area.
It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'.
However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly. This collection of resources has been put together to make the process as straight-forward as possible but also to ensure that you do not miss anything important.
If you are thinking about starting a business in New Zealand, you are not alone! At any one time, one in three New Zealanders are also dreaming about being their own boss.
Total Population: 5 million
Businesses in New Zealand: 592,000
Businesses with no employees 425,000
1-5 employees: 105,000
6-9 employees: 25,000
100+ employees: 6,000
As you can see, the vast majority of New Zealand businesses are privately owned, run by 'sole traders' and have no employees. We would love to help you join them!
To find friendly support in your local area, including business advisory organisations, business networking groups, and local loans/grants please either find your location by using the search box above.
We also have sections dedicated to each region:
Starting a new business in New Zealand offers exciting opportunities in a vibrant and business-friendly environment. This guide aims to provide you with a step-by-step approach to establishing your business successfully. We'll explore essential considerations, relevant statistics, and key organizations that can assist you throughout the process.
a. Economic Overview:
New Zealand has a stable and prosperous economy, known for its resilience and ease of doing business. According to the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index 2020, New Zealand ranked first out of 190 economies. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, sound financial systems, and a strong focus on sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology.
b. Market Size:
While New Zealand has a relatively small population of approximately 5 million people, it offers a lucrative domestic market. Additionally, many New Zealand businesses leverage their expertise and innovation to tap into international markets, especially in niche industries. The country's geographical location also serves as a strategic gateway to markets in Asia and the Pacific.
c. Startup Ecosystem:
New Zealand has a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by a network of incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. The government and private organizations actively promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Startups in New Zealand have gained recognition in various sectors, including technology, biotechnology, agritech, and creative industries.
a. Business Plan:
Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for mapping out your objectives, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational framework. A well-crafted plan not only guides your decisions but also plays a crucial role in securing funding if required. Business.govt.nz offers templates and resources to assist you in creating a robust business plan.
b. Legal Structure:
Choosing the right legal structure for your business is important for personal liability, taxation, and ownership considerations. The most common legal structures in New Zealand include sole proprietorship, partnership, and limited liability company (LLC). Consulting with a legal professional will help you understand the implications of each structure and select the one that aligns with your business goals.
c. Registration and Licenses:
Registering your business with the New Zealand Companies Office is a crucial step. The Companies Office website (https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/) provides a simple and efficient online registration process. Depending on your industry and activities, you may also need to obtain licenses and permits from relevant authorities. The New Zealand government's online portal, business.govt.nz, offers guidance on licensing requirements.
d. Taxation:
Understanding the tax obligations for businesses in New Zealand is essential. Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most goods and services at a rate of 15%. Businesses earning above a certain threshold are required to register for GST. Additionally, businesses must meet their income tax obligations, and employers have responsibilities related to employee taxes, KiwiSaver contributions, and other payroll obligations. Seeking guidance from an accountant or tax advisor will help ensure compliance and maximize tax efficiency.
e. Workforce Considerations:
Consider your workforce requirements, including hiring employees, contracts, and workplace regulations. New Zealand has laws governing employment relationships, minimum wages, holidays, and health and safety standards. Familiarize yourself with the employment laws and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) (https://www.mbie.govt.nz/).
f. Intellectual Property:
If your business involves unique intellectual property, trademarks, or patents, it is essential to protect your rights. The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (https://www.iponz.govt.nz/) provides information and resources for registering and protecting intellectual property in New Zealand.
g. Financing Options:
Explore the available financing options to fund your business venture. In New Zealand, options include bank loans, grants, angel investors, venture capital firms, and government schemes. The New Zealand government offers various programs to support startups and small businesses. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) provide information on funding options and grants for eligible businesses.
Here are some key organizations that can assist you in starting your business:
Starting a new business in New Zealand offers exciting prospects within a supportive and business-friendly environment. By understanding the economic landscape, considering important factors, and leveraging the resources provided by key organizations, you can navigate the process successfully. Remember to thoroughly research, plan meticulously, and seek professional guidance to ensure a smooth and prosperous business journey in New Zealand.
100's of free startup articles
We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.
You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business
Being self-employed or running a business does not suit everyone.
Will my business idea work? That is the million dollar question!
Finding where to start is sometimes the hardest part.
So you’ve got an idea, it seems foolproof.
Options if you need to raise money to start your business.
How to find, win, and keep paying customers - the key to business success!
How to make the most of the web. Websites, SEO, and Social Media.
Learn from and avoid the pitfalls that other start-ups have encountered.
All of our useful FREE resources for new business start-ups in one place.
We are delighted to promote suitable businesses and organisations completely FREE of charge. Your coverage can contain: logo, company name, brief description, special offers, telephone number and link to your website.
If you can help new business start-ups in your area, we would be delighted to let them know.
One of the aims of SYOB is to raise awareness of the support that is available in each area. Not only does this mean that the new business owner is more likely to succeed, it will also benefit the local economy! Add your free listing
You don't know what you don't know!
The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.
This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.
Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.
