Thinking Of Starting A Business?
We have three pieces of advice:
- Be prepared
- Be knowledgeable
- Get support
Be Prepared
Starting your own business is a dream for many Kiwis - in fact we’re a country of small businesses, with a whopping 87% of businesses in New Zealand employing fewer than five employees.
The average business size for all economically significant enterprises in New Zealand is about four employees and from 2000 to 2005, enterprises run by one person consistently contributed over 60% to the total number of economically significant enterprises in New Zealand.
The self-employment rate in the Manawatu District (2013) is 26.9% compared to 17.4% nationally.
The thought of starting your own business is very exciting. It is hard work and can be challenging with many things to consider.
Start-up success or failure is all about knowing both the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of taking action and always being clear about which steps to take next.
Be Knowledgeable
There are rules that may affect your business. These are set by Central Government and Council administers. Compliance can seem daunting. One of the important things is to understand the requirements early, plan ahead, allow time for the application process. This will make the process of launching your business less stressful and ‘surprise free’.
In addition to the information below, you can get more information about starting, growing or innovating your business through the Regional Business Partners Network run by Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)
Get Support
The following teams can help you succeed in yours. They can provide specific advice relevant to your business.
Planning Team
Does your business activity meet the requirements of the District Plan?
A resource consent may be required. Allow minimum 20 working days for approval from lodgment of application.
Building Control Team
Do you need to alter a building, build a new building, change the use of a building, need to understand compliance schedule requirements?
A building consent may be required. Allow minimum 20 working days for approval from lodgment of application.
Environmental Health Officer
Are you selling or preparing food as part of your business? If yes, you will need to apply for a health registration. Other business such as camping grounds, funeral services and hairdressers also require health registrations.
Allow 10 working days for approval from lodgment of application
Alcohol Licensing Inspector
Are you selling alcohol as part of your business? If yes, you will need to apply for a license. Allow minimum 20 working days for approval from lodgment of application.
Infrastructure Team
Reticulation - To check if your premises have appropriate wastewater and sewerage connections?
Trade Waste - To ask if your business requires a trade waste consent or be subject to wastewater charges?
Development - To ask if your business requires vehicular access and crossings?
Allow 20 working days for approval from lodgment of application.
Rates Officer
Will your new business affect the rates on the premises?
Contact Us
Please call 06 323 0000 to book an appointment to discuss your proposed business. We will ensure the relevant team members are available to provide advice.
Please bring with you as much information about your proposal as possible, i.e. business plan, building plans