National Regional Business Partner Network

The Regional Business Partner Network is a joint initiative between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) (formerly the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology).  The network is the key feature of a new model for delivering publicly-funded information and development services to small businesses.

The nationwide network of 14 Regional Business Partners  provides businesses with a single point of access in each region for advice, support, funding and expertise targeted at growing their business and research and development (R&D) activities.

On behalf of NZTE, Regional Business Partners are responsible for coordinating suitable training and information services in their regions by assessing local businesses and directing them to courses, advisors, information, and other public and private services that meet their particular capability development needs.   In some cases businesses may qualify for a partial subsidy, in the form of a voucher, to help pay for the cost of training and business development services (www.nzte.govt.nz).

Driving the research and development programme is MSI which was formed in February 2011.  This agency brings together the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FoRST) and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) and has taken on the responsibilities and functions of both agencies.  On behalf of MSI, Regional Business Partners provide R&D advice and manage R&D business investments. (www.msi.govt.nz).

The NZTE-funded BIZ Information Service for businesses continues, but is now focused on the 0800 telephone service through business.govt.nz. Click here for BIZ services information or call 0800 42 49 46.

Regional Business Partner Hawke's Bay

Helping your business develop, innovate and grow

In Hawkes Bay, the Regional Business Partner is jointly the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.  These entities are the primary contacts for Government-funded business assistance in Hawkes Bay (including Hastings, Napier, Wairoa and Central Hawke's Bay) and provide businesses with a single point of access for advice, support, funding and expertise.

The Regional Business Partner Hawkes Bay will work with your business in two key areas:

• to build capability in the area of business management
• to link into research and development support through MSI's business investment programme

The Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce administers the NZTE Capability Development Voucher Scheme which enables qualifying businesses to access Government funding for training, coaching or other business capability upskilling services.

The Hawkes Bay Regional Council administers the MSI R&D business investment programmes which assists businesses to link into R&D support, funding and advice.