Search Manawatū

Start and Grow | Whakatōkia te kākano, kia tupu, kia puāwai

CEDA offers comprehensive support for entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage. From startup guidance to growth strategies we are here to help.

Starting a Business

Starting a business is a big step, and there’s a lot to think about. You might build something from scratch, buy an existing business, or take on a franchise. The Starting a business page on business.govt.nz is a great place to start. This page outlines each option and covers the essentials – from planning and structure, to funding and tax.

Growing your Business

Growing your Business

Once your business is up and running, you might want to grow it. The Growing a business page on business.govt.nz is a great place to start. Explore your options, from innovating and collaborating, to exporting, boosting your marketing or looking for government support and resources.

Upskilling

BUSINESS 
MENTORS NZ


Connects business owners with experienced mentors for one-on-one advice.

THE FACTORY

Experts in launching tech startups and helping businesses grow.

SPROUT ACCELERATOR

Supports AgTech and FoodTech entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.

TE WĀNANGA O AOTEAROA

Offers free Te Arawhānu business courses to help you upskill.

Regional Business Partner Network

This is a central government initiative designed to support small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow and innovate. CEDA is the agency that supports the Manawatū-Whanganui regions businesses through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP). Is your business looking to grow, develop, or innovate? Here’s how you can connect to RBP:

1

REGISTER
Sign up
with the Regional Business Partner network.

2

DISCOVERY SESSION
Meet with a CEDA Business Growth Advisor
to discuss your goals.

3

ACTION PLAN
We'll support you to develop a tailored action plan for your business

4

SUPPORT
We'll help you to access the relevant funding, mentoring, or networking opportunities.  

Check out this page here to see a list of our upcoming workshops that are registered with the Regional Business Partner Network, meaning eligible businesses are able to access co-funding support. To see if your business is eligible, you will need to go through the steps above and meet with one of our Business Growth Advisors.

Signing up to our Training and Development Guide is another great way to stay in the loop with upcoming training opportunities.

“The mentorship and connections we’ve had through CEDA have been instrumental in helping us access the funding and business support we needed to grow. Having that human aspect- a sounding board, a coffee meeting - is so much more effective than just submitting applications online.”

Andy Shilton, Co-Founder of NovoLabs

  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: The Bed Barn

    Since its founding in 1988, The Bed Barn has been a cornerstone of the Manawatū business community. A proudly local operation, the company continues to craft high-quality beds and mattresses in Palmerston North, prioritising comfort and community over mass production.

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: Novolabs

    When you think of cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking innovation, your mind might drift to bustling metropolises like Auckland or Wellington. However, NovoLabs, a startup from Palmerston North, is proving that world-class innovation thrives in Manawatū . 

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: John Leader Electrical

    The Leader family have been part of the business community in Manawatū for generations, with the variations of their electrical practices each reflective of their director

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Sustainability Success Story: The Duke's Roadhouse

    Laura and Rob of The Duke's Roadhouse have transformed their organic food truck business into a thriving cafe, making health and sustainability a priority.

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: Arrosta Coffee

    From the back of a garage in 2005 to three bustling sites - Kirsty and Simon Fowler of Arrosta Coffee have always been looking for their business’ next challenge. Their latest? Getting ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability.  

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: Central Demolition

    Founded in 2002 by Ian Butcher, Central Demolition leads Manawatū’s commercial and residential demolition industry, handling everything from demolitions to asbestos removal and safe deconstructions.

    Read The Full Story
  • Success Stories

    Business Success Story: Alchemy & I

    Starting a business in Palmerston North wasn’t on Haylee Benton’s radar when she returned from the UK. Like many Kiwis, she saw it as a chance to escape the hustle and reconnect with loved ones. But a night out with friends turned her trip into an unexpected business adventure.

    Read The Full Story

Get in touch with a Business Growth Advisor

As a first step, we’ll need you to register through the Regional Business Partner Network below, and then one of CEDA’s Business Growth Advisors will be in touch.
Register Now

Ō Mātou Kaihāpai | Our Supporters

Level 1, 5 Broadway Ave,
Palmerston North
PO Box 12005

Palmerston North 4410
+64 6 350 1830 
[email protected]
0800 CEDA SUPPORT (233 278)
© 2024 CEDA - Central Economic Development Agency. | Site Policy | Privacy Policy