Former Black Cap Mathew Sinclair has a winter job with Business Hawke's Bay in an economic development role, to engage more businesses with the agency.
The Central Stags player will be hitting the road from Wairoa to Waipukurau, identifying issues and making referrals to support agencies.
He will also bepromoting the Business Hawke's Bay online directory, which has about 3000 listings.
He said he was looking forward to meeting as many business owners as possible and getting their feedback.
"It's important that businesses are aware of the support services being offered," he said.
Business Hawke's Bay advisory group member and Napier City Council economic development manager Ron Massey saw the opportunity for Mr Sinclair.
"He is a well-known local personality and will be a welcome face for business owners who now have the opportunity to discuss the issues they are facing in the current economic climate, and find out what help is available to them," he said.
Mr Sinclair said he took the opportunity "with both hands" and would be reassessing his career options next April.
