Executive Summary
2. For 2003/2004, foundation services represent 17% ($28 million, GST inclusive where applicable) of the combined agencies' funding (for both services and grants). Foundation services aim to build basic business capability among entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly small firms, start-ups and new exporters, through the provision of generic business information, advice and training, and limited financial assistance. NZTE's foundation services will consist of four key offerings: simple appraisal, generic business and market information, management and export training, and an Enterprise Development Grants scheme.
3. Entrepreneurs and business approaching NZTE for assistance will be provided with an initial, simple, standardised capability assessment to ensure that appropriate assistance is provided or facilitated. A range of mechanisms will be used to administer the appraisal, including website, telephone contact centre, client managers and contracted providers.
4. NZTE will provide generic business assistance and market intelligence information through an integrated front-end client interface, including website, 0800 contact centre and regional offices. Information services will continue to include Vcapital and export information. The existing BIZInfo website will be subsumed into the broader business portal that will be hosted alongside the e-Government portal by the State Services Commission. NZTE, in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), will report back to the Ministers for Industry and Regional Development and Trade Negotiations by December 2003 on the future of the remaining components of BIZInfo.
5. All foundation training services funded by NZTE, including management capability development, export education and investment ready training, will be delivered under the BIZ model of open, contestable delivery and utilising regional providers, to improve recognition and coverage and provide consistency in terms of delivery. NZTE will improve targeting of participants in BIZ Training by encouraging a proportion of training courses to be delivered to groups of businesses within clusters and sectors consistent with regional and sectoral strategies. BIZ Training content will also be standardised to ensure consistency and quality of delivery.
6. In addition, NZTE proposes to enhance BIZ Training by developing specific services to improve pre-business skills for Pacific Peoples, and improve content and flexibility for local delivery in relation to Māori Trustee Training.
7. Agreement in principle is sought to amalgamate the BIZ Enterprise Awards, Export Networks Programme and World Class New Zealanders scheme into a more flexible and user-friendly, criteria-based, Enterprise Development Grants scheme using a standardised appraisal and approval process. The Grants scheme would provide funding of 50% of total costs to a maximum of $20,000 (GST inclusive) per applicant per annum for businesses and entrepreneurs to engage the services of a business mentor, undertake more advanced management training, employ specific external advice and expertise in a management area, and undertake international market development activities.
8. The specific details of the operation of the Enterprise Development Grants scheme will be developed by NZ Trade and Enterprise in consultation with officials. NZTE will report back to Integration Ministers (the Ministers of Finance, Industry and Regional Development, Trade Negotiations, and Associate Foreign Affairs and Trade) by June 2003 on the operation of the scheme for final approval.
9. The proposed enhancements to BIZ Training and the Enterprise Development Grants scheme could be in place for delivery from 1 July 2003.
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