CEDA’s Startup Guide includes the essential first steps to starting your own business. The guide focusses on three key areas; Visibility, Structure and Strategy.

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, and much more

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.

New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique global identifier for businesses. It’s available to every Kiwi business, whether you’re self-employed (sole trader) or a major corporation, there is an NZBN for you and it’s free.

Your NZBN includes such things as your legal business name, trading name, telephone numbers and email. Apply for an NZBN.

Before you start researching your market, work out what your business does, its purpose and if its unique. You also need to have an idea of who your potential customers will be, and what their needs are. There are free tools you can use to build a detailed picture of your market and competition – the more detailed the better.

‘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 is a free internet-based service designed to help promote local businesses online. It’s a tool which enables business owners to manage how they appear online across Google and make their business stand out and be found easily. Without Google My Business, you’re missing out on hundreds of searchers who want to find your services and products. Find out more here.