Flying start for Kiwi entrepreneurs

Thirty-nine entrepreneurs have been selected as regional finalists in the 2014 ANZ Flying Start Business Plan competition and are one step closer to securing a place at the grand final in October. 

The competition, run by Business.govt.nz, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, seeks out the best business plan from new or fledgling New Zealand enterprises and helps them put their plans into action. 

Kate Garvie, Acting Manager of Business.govt.nz says the judges have had a tough time picking this year as they’ve received so many good quality business plans.

“We have been overwhelmed by the innovative and well-constructed business plans we have received from a wide range of businesses across New Zealand. All three finalists in each of the 13 regions across New Zealand must now submit a more detailed business plan. A second round of judging will then take place and 13 regional winners will be chosen. From these, five will be invited to Wellington to pitch their business to our panel of experts. 

“The entrepreneurs who entered but didn’t make it to the regional finals should carry on and stick with their ideas and ambitions to grow their business. The process of creating a business plan will inevitability strengthen their chances of succeeding,” says Kate.

Fred Ohlsson, ANZ's Managing Director, Retail and Business Banking says the quality of this year's entries confirms what our business bankers are seeing in their work with small businesses all over New Zealand: the entrepreneurs of our future see opportunities in the current environment and are ready to fly.

"All the finalists have shown they understand the importance of a strong business plan in getting a successful enterprise off the ground. It's hard not to be excited about seeing them go head to head. The awards will help take the winners to a new level of success, which is also great news for their communities and the economy," says Fred.

Gold sponsor ANZ are again putting up $30,000 in cash for the Supreme winner. 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. Winners will be announced at the grand final in Wellington on 30 October 2014.

For a list of the regional finalists visit: www.business.govt.nz/business-plan-competition/2014-regional-finalists