Comments on: Getting help from NZTE

By: ruth

ruth — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:46:16 +0000

Hi Nat
Just wanted to let you know this grant is being changed (i.e. closed). Anyone wanting to apply for a Capability Building grant needs to get their application in before 1 June 2009. You should be ok since you’re already approved, this just applies to new projects.

Apparently we need to watch this space for info about the new system: http://www.nzte.govt.nz/find-funding-assistance/Pages/Find-Funding-Assistance.aspx

By: Nat

Nat — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:07:55 +0000

Yes. Totally.

I think we’re still pretty small to be signing up for this, (and it is the first big expense we’ve ever really paid for). I decided to go ahead given that the value I got out of the ‘figuring out where we’re at’ stage lead to some fairly significant change in the business and also made all of us a LOT more comfortable about growing (i.e not hiring people who don’t fit in, understanding how to start tracking our key value etc)

I’m looking forward to the next several months, to see just how much we get out of it.

Will keep everyone posted on the process of getting funding :)

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:40:44 +0000

Thanks for the story and link. I think people don’t appreciate the benefit a good advisory board / strategist can give you. You make it sound like they are worth more than you pay to use them.

By: ruth

ruth — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:11:34 +0000

Hey Nat – it’s great that you’re spreading the word, the funding is there to support NZ businesses and Ben’s right, there is a low uptake vs need.

Here’s a link that goes straight to the NZTE website where it sets out the ins & outs of the Capability Building grant:
http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/14185.aspx

It’s worth all business folks taking a look any time you’re planning to spend money on advice. This funding can contribute advisory boards, mentors, and even consultants working with you on “planning” projects.

By: Nat

Nat — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:33:50 +0000

Yup! I was going to post to Bizchat once I know if we got it and also know the full process. So far though, it has not been at all strenuous – and I assume it wouldn’t be if you have a genuine need for the money :)

By: Mike Riversdale

Mike Riversdale — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:59:17 +0000

Great story, needs to be heard more … I’ll do my bit :-)

By: Ben Kepes

Ben Kepes — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:30:10 +0000

Yes, yes, yes

This is exactly the sort of story that the bizchat community needs to hear – I’ve been a proponent of advisory boards (and the SBAB funding for them that NZTE gives) for years

Massive ups to you for actually doing something about it – I believe it’s one of the NZTE grant streams with really really low uptake

nice!