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• Small & Medium Enterprises

• Structure and Dynamics

• Archive

• Structure and Dynamics - 2007
• Structure and Dynamics - 2006
• Structure and Dynamics - 2005
• Structure and Dynamics - 2004
• Structure and Dynamics - 2003
• Structure and Dynamics - 2002
• Structure and Dynamics - 2001
• Structure and Dynamics - 2000
• Structure and Dynamics - 1999

SMEs make a significant contribution to economies.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as a source of flexibility and innovation, and make a significant contribution to economies, both in terms of the number of SMEs and the proportion of the labour force employed by these firms. The significance of the SME sector in New Zealand has been increasing, with further opportunities presented by globalisation and technological development.

This report provides a statistical summary of the nature of the SME sector in New Zealand, examining its significance to the economy, its financial performance, the dynamics of SMEs - entry and exit onto Statistics New Zealand's Business Frame and transition rates - and the significance of the SME sector internationally. The population for the Business Frame is comprised of "economically significant enterprises".⁴

This is the fifth such report produced by the Ministry of Economic Development and Statistics New Zealand.

⁴An enterprise is said to be "economically significant" if it meets one or more of the following criteria: has greater than $30,000 annual GST expenses or sales; has more than two full-time equivalent paid employees; is in a GST exempt industry (except for residential property leasing and rental); is part of a group of enterprises; is registered for GST and involved in agriculture or forestry.