Section 9: Small Business Day Series - An Afterword
Background
The Small Business Advisory Group was invited to participate in the delivery of the Small Business Day series. This comprised a series of small business-focused events held from February to May 2004.
Its aims were to:
- celebrate New Zealand's small business successes
- build relationships between government, its agencies and small business owners
- explore issues and barriers to small business growth and performance.
The programme included:
- visits by Ministers and MPs to around 30 local small businesses throughout the country
- launch in Wellington of the Small Business Day series on 13 February 2004
- Small Business Day events in 23 more centres around New Zealand.
The series was arranged by MED and delivered by local Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Agencies and Employers and Manufacturer's groups.
Achievements
- Every event drew positive attention to SMEs' contribution to their local communities
- Over 5000 visitors attended the 24 regional events
- More than 175 seminars were delivered
- Over 300 business people received individual mentoring
- On average 15 exhibitor stands from government agencies and business organisations were featured at each event.
Overall we consider that those attending found the events useful and informative.
Observations
We understand that the Ministerial visits to individual businesses provided Ministers with insights into the operations and concerns of SMEs.
The Small Business Day events were attended mainly by people who had recently started or were planning to start a business. They displayed a strong appetite for information about government services and a need for assistance with planning and marketing.
Business owners from mature businesses who attended were looking for new ideas or help with expansion plans. These people wanted more detailed information and specific assistance.
The format of the Small Business Day events (they were held from 12 noon to 7:00pm) did not readily suit experienced business owners, who had difficulty leaving their business for such an extended period and who were unsure "what was in it for them".
The capability and motivation of the local co-ordinator and the host organisations significantly influenced the quality of each event. Accordingly, there was considerable variation in performance across regions.
More money could have been spent on advertising and promoting the events.
Conclusions
SMEs need a one-stop interface with government through which they can source information and advice about where they can get assistance.
The Biz brand is recognised as a useful place to gain early stage information. Its value could be extended if it offered more information and if more government agencies used Biz as a complementary communication channel to their own. This would be in line with the whole-of-government approach that is being promoted presently. However Biz needs a great deal more marketing effort to ensure a greater percentage of SMEs are aware of what it has to offer.
The Small Business Day events showed SMEs' desire for better communication and interaction with government. It was apparent that many government agencies have the resources and skills to meet that need. We have recommended one way in which these interactions could be enhanced (Recommendation 17). We consider, too, that government agencies should be encouraged to support (through providing content and attending) small business events that are arranged by local business groups (e.g. Chambers of Commerce).
Finally, we consider that the Small Business Days series initiative created a positive relationship between SMEs and government agencies. While in some places its delivery this time may not have met expectations, the Group believes a repeat of the series should be contemplated every year or every second year.
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