The Foundation Services Range
19. Foundation services are targeted at a wide business audience and provide the building blocks required to enable businesses to achieve growth and hence to access NZTE's growth services, which deal with more focused needs. The services are targeted towards smaller firms, entrepreneurs and start-ups. However, information and training can and will benefit all firms, no matter what their size or stage of development.
20. Appendix 3 sets out the proposed model for the foundation services range. The following initiatives will make up NZTE's range of foundation services.
Initial Appraisal
21. Entrepreneurs and businesses approaching NZTE for assistance will be provided with an initial, simple, standardised capability assessment to ensure that appropriate assistance is provided or facilitated. As this will often be the first contact point with NZTE, it is critical that businesses are dealt with appropriately and receive the information or service they require.
22. NZTE is developing an appraisal and referral solution drawing on their experience and best-practice models from Industry NZ and Trade NZ. A range of mechanisms will be used to administer the appraisal process including online, telephone contact centre, client managers and contracted providers.
Information Services
23. 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. Funding for the full range of information services will be $8.518 million (GST inclusive) annually. Key elements of NZTE's foundation information services will include:
BIZInfo
24. The purpose of BIZInfo is to provide information on available business assistance to existing businesses and those seeking to establish a business and, if necessary, refer them to appropriate private and Government service providers that are able to build management capability and assist with other business needs. The BIZInfo service was launched in April 1999 and is delivered by NBIS Ltd under contract to Industry New Zealand. The service is provided through four regional contact centres, a website, and a network of 29 BIZInfo walk-in centres. The annual cost of the service is $3.098 million (GST inclusive).
25. It is proposed that the BIZInfo website be subsumed into a wider business portal under development, which will be hosted alongside the e-Government portal delivered through the State Services Commission. Private sector content for the business portal, as was delivered through BIZInfo, will be contracted out. The new business portal will be operational by 30 May 2003.
26. Remaining BIZInfo services (contact and walk-in centres) will be reviewed by NZTE during 2003/2004 with a view to ensuring that there is an integrated front-end client interface. NZTE, in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will report back to the Ministers for Industry and Regional Development and Trade Negotiations by December 2003 on the future of the remaining BIZInfo services.
Vcapital
27. The purpose of Vcapital is to improve small business and entrepreneurs' awareness and understanding of equity financing. Introduced in July 2000, the programme is delivered by a consortium headed by the Economic Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) and I Grow, under contract. Vcapital provides information about obtaining capital through a website and a help-desk where businesses, entrepreneurs and investors can access information on venture capital and register for investment ready services. The Vcapital website will continue and be linked to and support the business portal. The Vcapital help-desk will continue to operate to support the investment ready service. Provision of the Vcapital service costs $0.115 million (GST inclusive) per annum.
Export Information
28. NZTE will continue to provide generic market intelligence information to support businesses that are considering entering export markets or do so already. Services are largely provided online and include:
- Country Briefs - overviews of New Zealand's top export markets, including current opportunities, regulatory issues, freight and business and cultural tips. These include sector specific briefs for a number of key markets.
- City Guides - these guides include advice on accommodation, transport, banking, food and entertainment.
- Checklists - practical and informative guides on a range of common export topics, including market selection, making an effective presentation and exhibiting at a trade event.
- How-to Guides - practical information and advice covering a wide range of topics, from strategic alliances/joint ventures to agent and distributor selection and export planning.
- Foundation Service Package - the package includes up to three market profiles, which discuss the opportunities for sectors within those markets. Information is generic but can be available for very small niches or sub-sectors.
29. This range of market intelligence information is provided at a cost of $5.305 million (GST inclusive) annually.
Back to Top