Starting out...

Starting a new business? Buying an existing business?

New Zealand is a nation of small businesses and the backbone of this country is the small business person. As a collective group they are the single largest employer in New Zealand. Along with providing employment, they introduce many innovative new products and services, as well as contributing to New Zealand’s valuable exporting arena.

However, because of their size they struggle to attract capital and investment and are vulnerable to market changes, large competitors and economic downturns. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable in their first couple of years in business

For this reason CDC Business Support has a Start-Up service to assist people starting or buying a business.

Business Support services offer a one-to-one or group appointment to work through a Starter Pack and Business Plan. Your advisor will introduce and explain the Start-Up assistance material to you, and you can discuss:

• The planning process
• Referral for information you may be seeking
• (Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and follow-up support services available to you

To arrange a Start-Up appointment, simply contact CDC reception, ph (03) 379 5575 and arrange for a Start-Up Application Form to be sent to you.

Business Starter Pack

(only available with Start-Up appointment)

A step-by-step guide to starting and managing your own business. The Pack will help you evaluate your business idea, help you undertake market research and develop a business plan and marketing plan. The aim of the Start-Up service is to create sustainable business start-ups.
 

Business Plan Guide

The Business Plan Guide is an integral part of the Business Starter Pack. You may use the plan to:

• set a direction for the new business.
• assess the viability, financial return and expectation on your investment.
• assess and/or test drive your proposed venture before taking the plunge.

 A business plan should be attached to any bank funding proposals and may be used to attract new investors.

Warrant of Fitness (WOF)

Give your business idea a warrant of fitness. An experienced mentor from Company Rebuilders can help you assess the feasibility of your proposed venture and review your business plan and assist with budgets, cash flow forecasts and costing and pricing.

The Company Rebuilders mentors are also available for support and assistance over the first six months if your venture goes ahead.

To arrange a WOF appointment, simply contact CDC Business Support services ph (03) 379 5575.

Please note that the Canterbury Development Corporation Ltd can only
provide business support services to the Canterbury region.