It’s a big decision to start your own business and it can be difficult to figure out what the first step is. CEDA can point you in the right direction. We’ve distilled the wealth of information available, to make it easy to get started on your business journey.
Business Basics
Startup Guide
CEDA’s Startup Guide includes the essential first steps to starting your own business. The guide focusses on three key areas; Viability, Structure and Strategy.
Business.govt.nz
This is a great source of information, templates and useful links. There is a whole section dedicated to getting started in business; how to take the first steps, how to choose the right business structure, build a brand, fund your business, planning tools and much more.
Inland Revenue
IRD has developed a series of videos called Introduction to Business, to help new business owners. It includes topics such as business structures, expenses, registering for GST and record keeping.
Market Research
Data and Insights
Data and insights can help you to better understand your target market and help you to make informed decisions.
Stats NZ
Stats NZ provides data for businesses about your potential customers, industry and competitive landscape. You can use their free data resource, or you can pay for their customised data services to help you make a more informed decision.
Figure NZ
Figure NZ is a user-friendly free resource. You can search data by sector and location, and it brings up a range of data that may fit the scope of your search.
Sales and Marketing
Digital Boost
‘Digital’ doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s here to make life easy! So whatever stage you’re at, Digital Boost will help you use digital to do business smarter. Check out the free online courses, taught by experts, for Kiwis like you.
Google My Business
The GMB resources uncover the secrets of the most successful businesses online. Get free access to the Google My Business Workshop webinar, the Marketing Academy and the Google My Business Checkup here.
Starting a Business Programme
Business Mentors NZ
Business Mentors NZ is designed for people who have a business idea and want to explore it, need help assessing the feasibility of their idea, develop a robust business plan and have the right foundations in place.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
There are a range of free business courses available through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Smart Steps for Business is a 20-week course that will help you to identify, evaluate and plan for the launch of your business. You’ll learn everything required to build a business idea and assess whether it could be successful in market.
Networking
Business Network
Whether you are looking to grow the size of your business, or adjust the nature, shape, or focus networking is important to connect you to local experts and other like-minded business owners who can provide you with a lifeline of support and knowledge.
Business Accelerators
The Factory
The Factory are experts at getting tech startups off the ground. Learn more here.
Sprout Accelerator
Sprout Accelerator helps AgTech and FoodTech entrepreneurs, companies, or scientists wishing to turn their IP into a scalable business. Learn more here.
