If you are a business seeking advice and support to help you grow, you can register to meet with one of our Growth Advisors for a free 30 minute one on one phone consultation.

Your Growth Advisor will work with you to identify your business capability needs and suggest solutions. There may also be 50% co-funding available for 1:1 customised training services through the Management Capability Development Fund.  Check out the areas of support that could help your business.

To be considered for Management Capability Development Fund support, your business must meet the following criteria:

Your Commitment

• Show a commitment to improving management capability through active participation in assessments and advisory sessions.
• Be willing to work with a Growth Advisor to identify a specific capability gap that can be addressed through management capability training.
• Be able to demonstrate the potential and desire for growth e.g. hiring more employees, having a scalable business model.

Your Business

• Established business, trading for at least 12 months.
• Annual sales of at least $500,000 in the previous financial year.
• 5-50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Have a valid New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).
• GST-registered in New Zealand.
• Privately owned business (NZ Registered Company, Partnership, Sole Trader) or
• A Māori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or a similar organization managing Māori assets under multiple ownership.
• Charitable Trusts and Incorporated Societies are not eligible.

Registration Process
Use the link below to easily register or reconnect with your RBP. You can also use this link to reconnect with us if you are already registered. Just enter your NZBN and contact details when prompted.

Initial Consultation
One of our experienced Growth Advisor team will be in touch to arrange a time for your free 30-minute one-on-one phone consultation. The purpose of this meeting is for the Growth Advisor to get to know you and your business, understand your most pressing challenges, and suggest solutions and resources that can help you with the next steps in growing your business.

Assessment and Funding Decision
Following the initial consultation, your Growth Advisor will assess your application and determine the appropriate support and funding.

• Funding is limited and subject to availability.
• Co-funding is not guaranteed. Our funding team will decide if and how much your business will be offered based on factors including the Growth Advisor’s recommendation, the size and stage of your business and fit with Auckland’s economic development strategy. Co-funding of up to 50% to a maximum of $5000 is available.
• Successful applicants will be connected to one-to-one customised training providers (if you don’t already know who you want to work with) and other relevant resources.

Meet Jennifer, the managing director of Downlights.

Downlights is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for young adults with Down Syndrome and learning disabilities by creating luxury scented candles.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Downlights faced challenges as candles were not deemed essential items. Jennifer explains how Regional Businesses Partners network has pivoted their business to focus on e-commerce strategies during the lockdown period.

Through collaboration with RBP, Jennifer was able to acquire the necessary skills to enhance their e-commerce platform, leading to a significant increase in sales. Jennifer emphasises the importance of seeking help and guidance from others to improve business strategies and achieve success.

If your business faces a challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out to Regional Business Partner network for a free business advice

This network is supported by Callaghan Innovation and MBIE to provide information and advice to New Zealand businesses. As a Regional Business Partner, we have specialist Growth Advisors available to help business owners and key managers identify needs and opportunities to achieve their ambitions, grow sustainably, and employ more people. We can provide advice, information, referrals, and connections to businesses seeking support for their growth journey.

Who should apply?

If you are a business seeking advice and support to help you grow, you can apply to meet with one of our Growth Advisors for a free 30 minute one on one phone call. You can also use this link to reconnect with us if you are already registered. Just enter your NZBN and contact details when prompted.

As well as the advice, information, referrals and connections from our Growth Advisors, some businesses may be offered co-funding through the Management Capability Development Fund. This offers businesses up to 50 per cent co-funded support for management coaching and training services. Find out what areas of support this fund covers.

Funding is limited and not guaranteed. Each application is assessed on an individual basis after speaking with one of our Growth Advisors. Your advisor will decide if and how much funding support we can offer, connect you to services where applicable and/or connect you to useful resources. Capability funding is only one of many services that your Growth Advisor can connect you with to help grow your business.

Who should apply?

To receive Management Capability Development Fund support in the Auckland region your business should be:

• An established business trading for at least 12 months
• Turning over at least $60,000 in sales in the previous financial year
• In a growth phase, looking to build internal management capability and hire more staff
• Fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees
• GST-registered in New Zealand
• Registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
• Operating in a commercial environment
• Privately owned business or a Māori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or be a similar organisation managing Māori assets under multiple ownership

This is not an exhaustive list; any co-funding is at the discretion of your Growth Advisor.

Please note that Charitable Trusts and Incorporated Societies are not eligible.

Have any questions? We’re happy to help

For specific advice and access to government support that is currently available please contact 0800 543 543  or email your enquiry to [email protected]