Contract for small business support

John Christie.
John Christie.
Enterprise Dunedin has won another Government Regional Business Partner (RBP) contract that will allow the Dunedin City Council to continue providing support to small businesses in Otago.

Enterprise Dunedin director John Christie was delighted with the announcement made by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Minister for Small Business Craig Foss yesterday.

Mr Christie said it meant the organisation could commit to another five and a-half years delivering a range of services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the region.

"Ongoing delivery of the RBP programme shows the Government's commitment to developing the capability of our SMEs and providing opportunities for research and development assistance.

"Enterprise Dunedin is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Otago Chamber of Commerce and the Otago Southland Employers' Association to provide access to RBP services across Otago.''

Enterprise Dunedin, a department of the Dunedin City Council, is responsible for the economic development and marketing of the city.

The present RBP programme has three elements - advisers to assess businesses' needs and provide direct advice, connections and support; Capability Development Vouchers are allocated to clients to fund up to 50% of the cost of specialist business support and training; and Getting Started Grants to pay for 40% of external research and development costs and support for making applications for larger research and development project grants.

For 2016, a fourth element will be included.

One-to-one mentoring will be given by volunteer mentors for SME business owners and start-ups in local communities.

Mr Joyce said more than 550 SMEs in Otago were among nearly 10,000 nationwide which had benefited from the programme since 2011.

"The Government is working in partnership with the regions to help more than 5000 SMEs grow each year.

"This continued investment across New Zealand reflects the Government's commitment to help SMEs innovate, develop and employ more people.

"It is also a celebration of the strong partnership between Government and regional providers.''

The new contract will start early next year.

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