CSBEC recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the nation as collectively they are the largest employer in New Zealand, a major source of innovative new products and services and earners of foreign exchange through exporting and tourism.

However, it is acknowledged that due to a variety of factors small businesses are particularly vulnerable in their first two years of business.  Therefore CSBEC provides a range of start-up assistance programmes to assist people through the concept, planning and implementation stages including:

For people starting a new business:

First Steps

Business Courses

Business Warrant of Fitness

Migrant Business Training (For new migrants who hold New Zealand Residency for less than two years)

Enterprise Allowance