Enterprise Dunedin wins business contract

Dunedin (Monday, 14 December 2015) – Enterprise Dunedin has won a Government contract to continue providing support for businesses in Otago.

Director Enterprise Dunedin John Christie says, “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Government as we commit to another five and a half years delivering a range of services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Otago.”

The Government announced the Regional Business Partner (RBP) programme contract today – New contracts help SMEs grow.

Mr Christie says, "Ongoing delivery of the RBP shows the Government's commitment to developing the capability of our SMEs and providing opportunities for research and development (R&D) assistance.

“Enterprise Dunedin is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Otago Chamber of Commerce and the Otago Southland Employers' Association to provide access to RBP services across Otago.”

Enterprise Dunedin, a department of the Dunedin City Council, is responsible for the economic development and marketing of the city.

Established in 2010, the RBP network is made up of 14 regional organisations that provide information and advice to New Zealand businesses to support business growth and innovation.

Since 2011, 560 SMEs in Otago have benefited from the programme, delivered by the DCC and the Otago Chamber of Commerce.

The current RBP programme has three elements.

• Assessment and advice: Business advisors within each region assess businesses’ needs and provide direct advice, connections and support.

• NZTE Vouchers: Capability Development Vouchers allocated to clients to fund up to 50% of the cost of specialist business support and training (up to $5000 per voucher).

• Callaghan Innovation R&D support: R&D Getting Started Grants funded by Callaghan Innovation to pay for 40% of external R&D costs (up to a maximum of $5000) and support for making applications for larger R&D project grants. RBPs will also begin acting as a ‘shop front’ for Callaghan Innovation’s other (non-grant) services, such as technology and product development support.

RPB case studies:

• Artemis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAh01hPLjwo

• Motion Sickness Studio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1uFpacwKB8

For 2016, a fourth element has been included.

• Business Mentors New Zealand: Supporting the delivery of one-to-one mentoring by volunteer mentors for SME business owners and start-ups in local communities. To date, Otago businesses have had access to BMNZ through the Otago Southland Employers’ Association. In the 12 months since November 2014, BMNZ has worked with 133 businesses in Otago.

ENDS

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