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Economic Development and Small Business Minister Steven Joyce today welcomed a new international report that puts New Zealand third in the world for ease of doing business.

The World Bank’s Doing Business report, released today, is an annual study measuring government regulations and their effect on business across 189 economies.

“This is excellent news. Only Singapore and Hong Kong are higher than us overall and we still rank first in the world for starting a business and investor protection,” Mr Joyce says.

 Minister for Small Business John Banks today congratulated Chia Limited, the Supreme Winner of Business.govt.nz’s ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition.  

Chia Limited produces naturally flavoured bottled drinks containing the chia seed, a natural ‘superfood’ that is a rich source of vegetable Omega 3, complete protein, minerals, electrolytes, fibre, and antioxidants.

The Nelson-based company is co-owned by father and daughter Ben and Chloe Van Dyke, who both share a passion for health and sport.

Small Business Minister John Banks today welcomed the Government’s progress towards the introduction of a unique New Zealand Business Number for each of the 550,000 businesses on the Companies Register.

Small Business Minister John Banks today congratulated the 51 entrants of the ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition who have made it through to Stage 2.

“To those 51 entrants, well done – you’ve proven innovation is alive and well in New Zealand,” Mr Banks said.  

“To those who didn’t make the cut this year, don’t be put off.  Perseverance is just as important in getting a business off the ground as having a good idea in the first place. 

Labour MP David Clark’s claim that the number of new start-up businesses has fallen fails to understand the reality of the Global Financial Crisis, Minister for Small Business John Banks said today.

“While the total number of start-ups has fallen since 2007, 92 per cent of those closures were zero-employee firms – in other words the self-employed,” Mr Banks said.

Good evening; I am very pleased to welcome you all to the beautiful Trentham Racecourse here in Upper Hutt.  I know that having this ‘Biz’ event will inspire you to greater things in your business.

Upper Hutt has a fine reputation of innovative SMEs in high value goods manufacturing and exporting, thanks to firms such as TenderRest and VenTech Systems.
The speakers that have agreed to present at these events are inspirational and I would like to acknowledge Tenby Powell, convenor of the Government’s Small Business Development Group.  

Small Business Minister John Banks says SME owners looking to grow their business should enter the ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition run by Business.govt.nz. 

The competition – now in its third consecutive year - seeks out the best business plans from businesses and start-ups across New Zealand with an annual turnover of less than $1 million.  There is $80,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. 

Minister for Small Business John Banks is encouraging small business owners to apply for the Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships. 

Small Business Minister John Banks today released the factsheet ‘Small Businesses in New Zealand’ that highlights the significant contribution small and medium-sized firms make to New Zealand’s economy.

The factsheet is a summary of results from recent Statistics New Zealand surveys relating to small and medium enterprises.  It shows that smaller businesses dominate our industries and play their part in generating jobs, innovation and overseas income.

Key results include: