By Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing

While the Government has been setting out a pro-growth agenda, a question I often hear when I visit manufacturers or speak to business audiences is: what support is available for firms that want to expand and contribute to a stronger economy?

For those who haven’t come across it yet, I want to highlight the Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network. This nationwide programme, delivered in partnership with business chambers, economic development agencies and the national provider Poutama Trust, offers practical, tailored support to help small businesses grow.

The past financial year has been one of the strongest yet for the RBP Network. Nearly 4,500 businesses engaged with the programme, which is the highest number outside the COVID-19 response. That’s a seven per cent increase on the previous year, and 13 per cent higher than in 2022/23.

This growing uptake tells us that business owners value the advice and connections on offer, and that word-of-mouth recommendations are carrying real weight.

One example of what this support can achieve is Coastwood Furniture, a long-established manufacturer in Greymouth. Known for solid timber furniture designed for both retail and commercial clients, Coastwood has been in business for more than 25 years.

Like many regional firms, it faces challenges: rising operating costs, softening retail demand, and limited access to experienced leadership talent.

Within the company, some staff had stepped into management roles without formal training. Across its retail network, staff were not always equipped to present Coastwood products consistently.

With support from Development West Coast through the RBP programme, Coastwood put targeted training in place. This included leadership development workshops, advanced health and safety training, and a “train the trainer” sales initiative to help retail partners around the country.

The impact has been clear. Leaders now have greater confidence and clarity, team communication has improved, and decision-making is more consistent. Retail partners are better supported, so Coastwood products are being presented more effectively nationwide.

While financial results take time to measure, early signs point to stronger engagement with retailers, improved visibility, and tangible gains in team performance and customer experience.

Coastwood’s experience underlines the difference that investing in people can make. By developing leadership and sales skills, the company has tackled immediate challenges and laid stronger foundations for long-term success.

Alongside direct business support, MBIE has been preparing advisors and mentors for the future. In partnership with Business Mentors New Zealand, training has been rolled out to Growth Advisors and Business Mentors to help them guide businesses on how to make practical use of artificial intelligence.

The aim is to equip mentors with the knowledge to identify opportunities so that businesses can start adopting AI without needing large budgets or specialist teams.

We have also boosted funding for Business Mentors New Zealand by $350,000. This will enable up to 750 additional businesses to access mentoring as the programme scales up over the next two years. It ensures these services grow alongside demand and remain available where they are needed most.

For manufacturers and other small businesses, we want you to know support is available. Whether the goal is to build leadership capability, upskill staff, or explore new technologies, the Regional Business Partner Network and Business Mentors New Zealand offer trusted pathways for practical help.