Government services for business

Whether you're just starting out, or growing an existing business, there are tools and services to help your business thrive in challenging times.

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Set up a business in New Zealand

According to a 2009 World Bank survey, New Zealand is the easiest place in the world to start a business. You can do a lot online, leaving you more time to spend on making your business a success. Find out how the Government can help you get your business up and running. « less

» Choosing the right business structure Opens in a new window

» Register a new company online with the Companies Office Opens in a new window

» Tax for start-ups - your registrations, obligations and information Opens in a new window

» What ACC does for new businesses Opens in a new window

» ACC cover for the self-employed Opens in a new window

» Contact your local council for regulation information in your region Opens in a new window

Find and retain staff

Staff are an important asset for any business. There are tools and services available to make finding and retaining staff cheaper and easier. Some of the programmes have been designed especially to help businesses that are struggling financially. « less

» Employer's guide to hiring staff Opens in a new window

» 90-day trial periods Opens in a new window

» Retaining and supporting staff Opens in a new window

» Free recruiting service Opens in a new window

» Build an employment agreement Opens in a new window

» Staff leave calculators and online tools Opens in a new window

Reduce costs and improve your workplace

Working smarter and saving on costs is important for any business, especially during challenging economic times. Government schemes can help you reduce costs and make the day-to-day running of your business more efficient. Find out how to increase productivity, make your workplace safe and save money. « less

» Increase workplace productivity Opens in a new window

» Improve workplace health and safety Opens in a new window

» Save money with ACC safety discounts Opens in a new window

» Reduce costs and get help saving energy Opens in a new window

Grow and improve your business

Every business develops in its own way, and it’s a good idea to understand how you can improve your business. Spend time developing your business skills and those of your staff - there’s free business training available. When you’re ready to grow or expand your business, government programmes can help you. « less

» Get a free business health check and information from biz Opens in a new window

» Enterprise training to develop your business Opens in a new window

» Free online training modules Opens in a new window

» Skills investment subsidy for employee training Opens in a new window

» How the Escalator service can help finance and grow your business Opens in a new window

» Access government and commercial contract opportunities Opens in a new window

Paying business tax

The information here can help you understand and manage your tax responsibilities. There are services and online tools to make paying tax quicker and easier, and Inland Revenue can help you find a way to meet your tax payments if you’re having financial trouble. « less

» Inland Revenue guide to tax for businesses Opens in a new window

» Your tax registrations - GST, employer and IR number Opens in a new window

» Meeting your tax payments during financial difficulty Opens in a new window

» Work out your tax obligations with online calculators Opens in a new window

» Get free tax education from a tax information officer Opens in a new window

Find information about your market

Taking the time to research your market can put your business a step ahead of your competitors. Find out how to use statistics and company information to help you develop effective marketing strategies. « less

» Search for a company on the Companies Register Opens in a new window

» How to use statistics to find information about your market Opens in a new window

» Infoshare - access statistics to help you make business decisions Opens in a new window

» Search the Trademarks Register to see how your competitors brand themselves Opens in a new window

» Online training - researching your competition Opens in a new window

Access government help and financial assistance

Many businesses require extra help or investment from time to time. Your business may be eligible for free mentoring or government funding. See what grants are currently available and how you can apply. « less

» Apply for a volunteer business mentor Opens in a new window

» Biotechnology grants for New Zealand and Australian businesses Opens in a new window

» Business research and development grants Opens in a new window

» Funding for Maori business Opens in a new window

» Funding for energy intensive businesses Opens in a new window

Get information about importing and exporting

When you’re ready to take your product to a new market, or looking to import goods, the information here can help you take the first step. Find out how the New Zealand Export Credit Office can help you and how to comply with import and export regulations. « less

» Financial guarantee products for New Zealand exporters Opens in a new window

» Getting ready to export Opens in a new window

» Customs New Zealand export regulations Opens in a new window

» Customs New Zealand requirements for importers Opens in a new window

» How to declare imported goods and comply with biosecurity standards Opens in a new window

» Exporter information for plant, animal or forestry goods from New Zealand Opens in a new window

Protect your ideas

Your ideas are valuable assets. Protecting them could make you money or save you money in the long run. New Zealand is the cheapest place in the world to protect your intellectual property. And the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand makes it easy too. « less

» Learn about intellectual property Opens in a new window

» How protecting your intellectual property can benefit your business Opens in a new window

» Patents – protecting your new or improved product or process Opens in a new window

» Trade marks – your brand, identity and logo Opens in a new window

» Designs – your product’s original features Opens in a new window

Find out when and how to close your business

There are two reasons why you might close your business: you may decide to cease trading, or your business may be insolvent. Find out what steps you need to take to close down and wind up your business. « less

» I am in financial trouble... what are my options? Opens in a new window

» What to do before closing your business Opens in a new window

» Finalising your tax records Opens in a new window

Contact government for business help and information

Contact details for government organisations and agencies. There are services and assistance that can help make it easier for you to do business. « less

» Find government business contacts Opens in a new window

Tell me about

Business resources

Government services for business

You're not signed-in

Set up a business in New Zealand

Find and retain staff

Reduce costs and improve your workplace

Grow and improve your business

Paying business tax

Find information about your market

Access government help and financial assistance

Get information about importing and exporting

Protect your ideas

Find out when and how to close your business

Contact government for business help and information

My tools

My business

Tell me about

Business resources

Government services for business

You're not signed-in

Set up a business in New Zealand

Find and retain staff

Reduce costs and improve your workplace

Grow and improve your business

Paying business tax

Find information about your market

Access government help and financial assistance

Get information about importing and exporting

Protect your ideas

Find out when and how to close your business

Contact government for business help and information

My tools

My business

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