Getting Started
Whether you have just started a new venture or are considering doing so, and need assistance along the way, there are a number of active business groups and organisations in Hutt City and regionally, available to provide you with advice, assistance and support in your business endeavours. Listed below are links to those organisations:
Positively Wellington Business is an economic development agency offering a broad range of services and programmes to businesses in the region. These range from giving general advice to small start-up companies, to helping established firms succeed in the global marketplace. Positively Wellington Business has a mandate to grow jobs and GDP, and is funded by Hutt City Council along with Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington City Councils.
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce - If you want to enhance your business and develop your business skills, the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce can help you realise your goals.
Hutt City Council co-funds a business assistance programme "Partners for the Future" which is conducted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. This programme assists with small business start ups, and can provide advice to businesses.
Hutt City Libraries maintain a listing of online resources of interest to those setting up or running a small business. They also can assist with accessing central government forms and services, and directory, legislative or news media information.
Employers & Manufacturers Association (Central) is a member organisation dedicated to representing its members best interests. With the strength of numbers and the influence of a broad range of ideas and experience their members are a powerful Voice in our community. They exist to make a difference.
CBD+ is a CBD focused group which encourages business into the CBD and supports retailers in their business endeavours.
The Jackson Street Programme is a group available to ensure the overall development, viability and attraction of the Street and can assist businesses in Jackson Street, Petone with related issues.
A number of other organisations are keen to assist investors and businesses seeking assistance to grow, depending on their specific needs, including:
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Positively Wellington Business
Biz Wellington
Government Electronic Tenders Service
Ministry of Economic Development
Ministry of Maori Development
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Pacific Business Trust
Work and Income NZ
Technology NZ
Inland Revenue Department
Companies Office
Listed below are useful resources whether you are just starting out or wanting to achieve growth and development:
BIZinfo
The Resource Centre for NZ Business
Business Gateway
Hutt City Council Services for Businesses
Council's Economic Development Strategy 2002 carves the way for creating a vibrant economy focused on growth within Hutt City. This strategy includes a number of planned initiatives and mechanisms to retain and grow current businesses, encourage new business and be seen as an attractive place for any business considering setting up here.
Hutt City Council prides itself on its customer focus and service to business. Those businesses whose proposals have wide impact or have specialist requirements are welcome to contact Council's business advocate, the City Development Manager, Gary Craig, on gary.craig@huttcity.govt.nz or (04) 570-6920. His role includes assisting in the resolution of any issue faced by investors in the city.
Information is also available from Hutt City Council on local authority activities that are relevant for businesses:
Council Bylaws
Rates
Resource consents
Building consents
Fees and Charges
Expanding your Business
Ninety percent of Hutt City businesses have between 0-9 employees. Along with other organisations, Hutt City Council provides encouragement and support to the business community to enhance growth and employment for the city. If you have particular issues related to growing your business (for example, need bigger premises, training of staff) and can't find the answers, then Council can assist either directly or by putting you in contact with the right people. Contact Gary Craig, Council's City Development Manager, on (04) 570-6761, or email gary.craig@huttcity.govt.nz.
Successful business expansion also requires the support and assistance from organisations available to provide professional guidance and assistance.
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of Economic Development
Ministry of Maori Development
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Centre Stage of New Zealand
BIZinfo
The Resource Centre for NZ Business
Business Gateway