Starting a business is not a linear process. The resources below are a guide to some of the steps you need to take, organisations you need to register with, and more. Which of these you require depends entirely on the type of business you are setting up and everyone’s journey will be different.
It can be helpful to have a pathway to follow. Here are some initial steps and a framework to consider to set you on your path.
"One of the most important steps when starting a business is branding your new company. Do you know what defines your brand? Three elements — logo, website, and domain name — are key to building a startup’s brand. Let's take a look at each..."
With these questions answered the next step is to design a plan. If you are seeking finance from a bank you will need to present a business plan, and a business plan also helps you work through and keep track of the necessary steps you need to take.
Wellington City Libraries' Business eLibrary resources offer the following resources for this task, which you have access to with your library card:
Business: Entrepreneurship (Gale)Gale Business Entrepreneurship covers all aspects of starting and operating a business - including accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, and more.
Download reports and articles to help you write a business plan, craft a marketing campaign or launch a product.
Business: Entrepreneurship (Gale)
Business: Plan Builder (Gale)A step-by-step planning tool for starting, managing and optimizing a business or nonprofit. The program will walk you through five areas of exploration to develop a business plan. (You'll need to create an account to save your progress.)
Consider doing a course — two options in Wellington are:
As well, Business.govt.nz is part of MBIE and offers a range of resources including its Digital Boost service ‐ free, online training videos on all aspects of business:
Digital Boost — an MBIE service
Get accurate legal and financial adviceOnce you have a plan, getting accurate legal and financial advice is crucial.
Limited legal advice can be accessed at the Citizens Advice Bureau and through Community Law Offices:
Also see:
Business.govt.nz — Guidance on seeking financial advice
Set up a bank accountKey points here:
Your accountant will advise on accounting software packages such as Xero, Hnry, MYOB or Reckon.
Xero (bigger business) and Hnry (used by sole traders, contractors) also offer online training modules for small businesses. Both these businesses are Wellington based.
Depending on your business you may also need to consult with the following to ensure you adhere to the correct legislation.
Wellington City Library is working with CERT NZ to encourage all business people to implement a 2FA security system across all online accounts. This added level of security is particularly important if you collect and store client details and/or do online commerce across any social media platforms.
You can find more information about online security and protecting yourself from cybercrime at:
Government/legislationRelevant legislation can be found through Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise:
Standards NZ (SNZ) is a part of MBIE and develops and sells standards that guide the development of many products and services:
Wellington City Council is the place to contact for a variety of licenses, permits you may require to operate or advertise your business:
The Privacy Act applies to almost every person, business and organisation in New Zealand. The Act includes privacy principles that guide how personal information can be collected, used, stored and disclosed.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC)
MarketingNext up – tell people about your business (aka marketing). Advertising and networking are important to a fledgling business — some options and pathways for marketing your business are below:
Social media
Developing your businessGreat – your business is up and running! Well done! The next step is developing your business. The opportunities and organisations below may be helpful in this process.
Would you benefit from a business mentor or coaching?
"Business Mentors New Zealand is the only independent national business mentoring service provider to the small business sector in New Zealand. The service matches experienced businesspeople, the Mentors, with small business owners."
There are also numerous business coaches in Wellington who offer independent advice — find opportunities for this through the Wellington Chamber of Commerce website:
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce — Business Coaching
"Wellington Chamber of Commerce is a membership based organisationresponsible for providing a range of services for Wellington members. These range from lobbying and advocacy work on Wellington issues through to running events and training courses in Wellington. We issue chamber of commerce trade documentation such as Carnets and Certificates of Origin and provide trade facilitation services through the global chamber network."
Going internationalIf thinking of exporting then talk to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise:
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
If developing a product for an Asian market talk to Asia Foundation NZ:
For a Latin American market, talk to Latin America New Zealand Business Council:
Latin America New Zealand Business Council
Wellington City Libraries has a range of resources to support your business development — you can find these in detail at the link below, with a few highlights on this page. These include our Business Blog, books, video training courses, eBooks and audiobooks you can listen to on your commute for work or recreation, streaming film and more. Plus, of course, our Research Databases.
Library Services for Businesses
Business BlogOn our Business Blog, we write about a variety of topics of interest to Wellington and local businesses, and post about materials and resources available from within our collections to benefit your business:
Katalyst has comprehensive profiles on 15,800 New Zealand business to business (B2B) companies including details on their activities, brands, people, products and services searchable by 30 different criteria including location, Number of employees, turnover, products (by ANZSIC code), job category or job title.
Access is limited to Wellington City Libraries members, and it's available for in-library use only (remote access is not available).
On the go? Listen to business audiobooks and eBooks on your mobile device with our Libby app. Browse their special 'Business Reading Room' below, or browse the whole Libby site.
LinkedIn Learning is a video tutorial service providing access to over 12,000 instructional videos on many topics including computer software, business skills, video editing and more. Learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to meet your personal or professional goals - with expert tutors who know how to teach.
Linda Stopforth, our Business Librarian
Prosearch is Wellington City Libraries' professional search service. We have the skills and specialist resources to track down reliable, up-to-date information quickly.
Have an information query or research need related to starting your business? Our Prosearch team can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.
Our Prosearch Team members vary, but always include Linda Stopforth, our Business Customer Specialist, as well as other subject specialists as needed depending on the size and scope of your enquiry. All enquiries are treated in confidence.
Our Prosearch Service — more information
This page is written and maintained by our Business Development Librarian, Linda Stopforth. Last updated June 2022. Contact us with any feedback.