Best advice for budding businesses Business services at a glance

Canterbury Development Corporation is in the business of helping other businesses, and the level of expertise and services it offers to small business enterprises is not only extensive, but its business services are free, confidential, and commercially neutral.

For any budding business person, or someone who is already in business and wants to expand, or has business questions, CDC should be at the top of the calling list. Those considering starting or buying a business can talk through their business idea with a CDC business support adviser. CDC offers a session, working through a business starter pack.

"One of the first questions is, 'Should I go into business?'"
says adviser Louise Robertson.
"If the person decides to go ahead, CDC can help them work through the process.

"CDC can follow up the startup interview with individual mentoring as a fledging business goes through its first months," she says. People wanting to go into business represent a wide variety of interests. They may have developed a prototype in the garage at home and believe it has potential, or have returned home after working overseas in a high-tech industry.

Others may have been made redundant and have funds to start a new venture. Often they may have a diversity of technical skills to develop their product or service, but may lack the business skills to make it successful.

Canterbury's growing businesses are in food production, high-tech, design, and software. There are also burgeoning service industries. Going into business is often an emotional decision. It may involve a passion to achieve something, or it may be a lifestyle choice. It can also be scary, especially when someone is putting up a lot of money or even remortgaging their home.

"If the startup session encourages someone to go ahead, then business planning becomes even more important than ever," says Louise Robertson. "Our sessions are relaxed and informal. And as we talk about the business proposal, we also highlight the importance of accountants and solicitors, and how to select these and other professional services.

"Usually we cover areas the prospective business person may not have thought of. We often send them off to do some research into their customer base, potential market, and competitors," she says.

CDC does not make decisions for potential business people. The corporation takes a neutral stance. Its roles remain strictly advisory, supportive, and confidential.

"People in new and established businesses always have questions. It may be in relation to tax and finance, the need to employ someone, or strategic planning for growth. For a new business these can be addressed by CDC's Warrant of Fitness service provided free by a group of retired business people. Called Company Rebuilders, they offer hands-on support, and are available to help for the first six months if the venture goes ahead. "We also have a vast range of BIZ workshops for management upskilling, which target specific business skills and problem areas," says Louise Robertson.

The Business in the Community mentoring service offers skilled, experienced people who are available to talk through particular queries. "We provide the signposts and stepping stones for small businesses," she says.

BUSINESS SERVICES AT A GLANCE
Are you starting a business, or buying an existing business? Canterbury Development Corporation has a range of services that can help your business plans. All its services are free. One-on-one interviews to help you to plan for success.

Help with planning ahead for a sustainable business startup.

Startup mentoring to help you assess the business idea's feasibility, and look at things such as cash-flow forecasts, budgets, pricing, and costing. Support for the fledging business for the first six months.

CDC's BIZ programme includes business workshops where you can learn how to:
Understand e-commerce.
Design eye-catching brochures.
Understand financial statements.
Improve your budgeting.
Complete a business plan.
Increase management skills.

The programme also includes individual business assessments, one-to-one coaching, a specialised programme for emerging high- technology businesses, and a workshop programme for those looking to start a new business.

Is your business experiencing financial or cash flow difficulties?
To help with business problems, CDC has a pool of experienced retired business people who give their skills to provide a specialised, hands-on support service for businesses under financial stress or growth restrictions. One-on-one guidance CDC has a large pool of business mentors with a wide range of skills and experiences.

Mentors share their skills and experiences, and provide opinions, ideas, and contacts to help businesses to realise their full potential and develop opportunities. Networking opportunities CDC's high-tech business programme allows attendees to meet other business people just like you in a social learning environment, which provides an excellent network base. For example, WISE (Women in Self Employment) is a vibrant networking forum for women in business.