Competition looking to give a Kiwi business a flying start

One week left. Competition looking to give a Kiwi business a flying start

The ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition is back for 2014, and looking to uncover New Zealand’s next big thing.

The competition gives existing small businesses or those with an idea that are yet to start-up the shot at a prizes worth over $65,000. It’s run by Business.govt.nz, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and is now in its fourth year.

Applicants have to enter their business plan showing an original idea that is geared for growth and sustainable revenue. The best and most innovative plan will see the supreme winner win a prize package worth $45,000.

Last year CHIA, a local business from Nelson was the Supreme winner and recipient of a prize package worth $58,800, including $30,000 in cash from ANZ.

“Writing a business plan allows you to step back and focus on what you are trying to achieve and where you want to go. Winning the competition increased the awareness of CHIA throughout New Zealand,” says Ben van Dyke from CHIA Limited.

Kim Truscott, Business.govt.nz Acting Manager, says: “The competition is not just about the prizes and recognition for the winners; it’s about getting businesses across New Zealand to take a proper look at their business plan and see where they are and what opportunities they have. We’re also encouraging businesses to get on to the Business.govt.nz site and use our tools and resources to realise their full potential.”

Gold sponsor ANZ are again putting up $30,000 in cash for the Supreme winner. Fred Ohlsson, ANZ's Managing Director, Retail and Business Banking, says: "This competition has given a flying start to some exciting businesses from Canterbury and helped take them to a new level of success. That's great for business and great for the local economy. We look forward to seeing more success stories as this year's competition unfolds.

"This is our fourth year of backing the ANZ Flying Start Business Plan Competition. Over this time our business bankers have helped more than 25,000 Kiwis start businesses. We understand that a strong business plan is essential for getting a successful enterprise off the ground."

The second and third prize winners each receive $5,000 in cash from ANZ, while the competition’s 10 regional winners each receive $1,000 cash from Silver sponsors Ernst & Young, OfficeMax and Xero.

The competition is open at www.business.govt.nz/business-plan-competition, with entries closing 12 August.

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