Where can I go for help for my business?
Alec Waugh, chief executive of BIZinfo, replies:
BIZinfo is the primary access point for small and medium-sized businesses needing information, referral or help.
BIZinfo provides referral access to Government programmes and funding including BIZ training, and further provides details of private business services
that can help with the development and management of each caller's business.
BIZinfo is a national network, with a website (www.Bizinfo.co.nz), a freephone line staffed by experienced business persons operating from four regional city centres - 0800 424-946 - and 25 BIZinfo Centres throughout the country.
The BIZinfo service is provided by a consortium of business entities, the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, Business New Zealand and two trusts - Poutama and Pacific Business Trust.
This grouping of business services provides "business talking to business" and is known as NBIS (national business information service).
The Government provides the money behind the BIZinfo network, but the delivery of service is "business talking to business".
Examples of the types of calls received include :
What funding/programmes from the Government are available?
I am considering exporting to Australia. What do I need to do?
I want to import clothing from Asia. What do I need to consider?
I am about to buy a business - what checks should I make?
How do I know if this franchise is a good one?
I want to start my own business. Where do I start?
My business is struggling - I want to talk though the issues before I talk with the bank.
I have employed part-time staff. What are the obligations I need to consider?
I have an idea. How can I commercialise the product?
I don't understand this legislation. Can you guide me through it?
The information requests are varied and often require far more research than anything that can be provided from a database.
The business needs are more in the form of basic questioning followed by business counselling.
This does not mean replacing the professional services offered by accountants, lawyers and business consultants - it is more about steering people in the right direction, asking the questions that need to be asked, and acting as another well-informed and experienced executive for a small business.
BIZinfo is the primary access portal for New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises seeking Government funding and programmes and business services.
If you've got a problem, ring 0800 424-946 for advice.
* Send your Mentor questions to: Ellen_Read@nzherald.co.nz.
Answers will be provided by Business in the Community's Business Mentor Programme.
