Porirua Small Business Information and Support Hub

We know that businesses are facing very real challenges because of Covid-19, and we want to make sure you get the help and support that you need.

Porirua Business Hub

We value the diverse range of businesses we have operating in Porirua City, all of which play a vital role in our economy

On this page we’ve provided you with links to Government support, information and resources, as well as where you can find helpful local advice and support.

👉 Our Business Response Team is here for small businesses needing help or support. Simply email your phone number to bizhelp@poriruacity.govt.nz and on of our advisors will be in touch within 48 hours.

Business Mentors NZ

If you’re looking for guidance and support in your business, getting advice and discussing your challenges with a Business Mentor could be just what you need.

Our Business Mentoring Programme provides 12 months of confidential one-on-one advice for owners of small and medium-sized businesses that are currently trading and who want to grow or need help to solve specific business challenges.

Volunteer business mentors with experience and empathy for small business offer guidance, act as a sounding board, challenge your thinking and provide you with an independent and fresh perspective.

If your business is currently trading, employs fewer than 25 full-time staff, and is your main source of personal income, then you are eligible for this service. The cost for using this service is a registration fee of $225+GST. Find more information on the general mentoring programme here: www.businessmentors.org.nz/For-Businesses/Business-mentoring.aspx

Start-up Mentoring Programme

If you have a start-up business idea and want to discuss it with someone who can offer an unbiased, honest, outside perspective then the start-up mentoring programme is worth looking at.

The start-up mentoring programme is up to six-months and you are matched with a Mentor who can challenge your idea and give feedback to help you make informed decisions moving forward.

The cost for the start-up mentoring programme is a registration fee of $300+GST. Find more information or register for the start-up mentoring programme here: www.businessmentors.org.nz/For-Start-ups/Start-up-business.aspx

If you would like to learn more about this service or register for a Business Mentor, you can do so at www.businessmentors.org.nz. A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your application in greater detail and you can expect to be matched with a mentor within one month.


Commercial leases and mortgages

For information about changes to help commercial tenants and landlords go to justice.govt.nz

Connected.govt.nz

Connecting New Zealanders to employment, education and training. connected.govt.nz

Free support to sell online

Is your business not online? Swiftly can help you sell your stuff on the internet in three easy steps, for free! 

Insolvency relief

For more information about insolvency relief for businesses affected by Covid-19, see companiesoffice.govt.nz

Love Local - Porirua

We know our local businesses need support now more than ever. That’s why we’re encouraging people to buy local and connecting them to our amazing businesses. Join our Love Local - Porirua Facebook Group and engage with people who want to support local businesses, Sign up to the new Love Local Business Directory and let people know how you’re operating during Covid-19.

Managing health and safety

The emergence of Covid-19 has created work health and safety risks that need to be carefully managed. WorkSafe offers comprehensive advice and guidance for businesses and workers.

Managing recruitment, employee training or redundancies

Work and Income can help with a range of services for employers from recruiting new staff to helping with redundancies - see workandincome.govt.nz/employers

Porirua Chamber of Commerce

Even if you aren’t a member you can now access the Chamber’s wide range of resources including the Government’s Capability Voucher Funding. This provides access to business training and coaching services with up to 50% subsidy towards the registered service cost. poriruachamber.co.nz

Porirua City Council 

Our Business Response Team is here for small businesses needing help or support. Simply email your phone number to bizhelp@poriruacity.govt.nz and we’ll be in touch within one to three days. If you have a question about rates, consents or other council services please call our customer services team on (04) 237 5089 or email enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz.

Small business loan scheme and tax relief

Read about tax relief and the Government’s interest-free loan scheme for small businesses impacted by Covid-19. Check out ird.govt.nz/covid-19

Support for Pasifika businesses and sole traders

Pacific Business Trust offers practical business assistance and support with personalised attention for Pasifika organisations and sole traders. 

Support for whenua businesses

Te Puni Kōkiri provides information to help you with your whenua-related business as well as access to general support for you and your whānau.

WellingtonNZ

Get access to online webinars, business advice and support resources. The WellingtonNZ team can also help you access the Government’s Capability Voucher Funding which helps business owners to access business training and coaching services, by providing them with up to 50% subsidy towards the registered service cost.