Published on the 22/06/2011 | Written by Newsdesk
The public and the private sector have teamed up for a new initiative that could provide up to NZ$1.5 million to encourage SMEs to expand their businesses…
New Zealand SMEs are being encouraged to apply for funding from the BNZ and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), which will allow them to take advantage of the Owner Manager Programme (OMP) being run by The ICEHOUSE, a centre designed to help established SMEs learn to grow their businesses.
“The ICEHOUSE is looking to make a five-fold increase in our impact over the next 10 years through significantly increasing the number of internationally capable owner managers, entrepreneurs and businesses coming from New Zealand,” says ICEHOUSE CEO Andy Hamilton.
“We want to take a leadership role in working closely with organisations with aligned goals around growing great Kiwi businesses and growing a vibrant and internationally relevant New Zealand economy.”
The $750,000 of funding from the BNZ will enable business owner-managers to apply to have the cost of The ICEHOUSE OMP reduced from $20,000 to $15,000.
BNZ Director – Partners, Anthony Healy says that the funding represents a significant opportunity for the growth and development of New Zealand businesses.
“Right now they are poised, ready to expand. We see the ICEHOUSE’s OMP as having a key role to play in enabling a high performing New Zealand business community,” he said.
Additionally, eligible businesses working with a regional business partner may be able to use management capability vouchers from NZTE to reduce the cost of the course by a further $5,000. (A network of 14 regional business partners have been appointed by NZTE and the Ministry of Science and Innovation.)
“Effective management practices will underpin the success of New Zealand businesses, domestically and globally,” said Hans Frauenlob, GM Products and Services at NZTE.
“This partnership, between the BNZ, the ICEHOUSE and NZTE, focuses on helping owners and managers to build capability and ultimately grow their businesses in international markets. It is an initiative that we hope will inspire others to follow.”
For more information, business owners should contact The ICEHOUSE.
