Where to go when you need help

The support and information available for small business people is much greater now than it was five years ago.

Much of this new wealth of information is co-ordinated and easy to access through BizInfo, one of the Government's initiatives to help small businesses.

The national BizInfo network of 29 resource centres and toll-free advice line (0800 424-946, www.bizinfo.co.nz) is a good first port of call for anybody starting a business or struggling to improve the one they have.

BizInfo phone advisers took 25,000 calls last year, half of them from people planning a start-up.

The primer for new callers is a substantial and useful information pack that includes practical advice on matters as diverse as tax and compliance issues, attracting investment and meeting obligations as an employer.

Newmarket Biz Centre organiser Kate Abelson says there are lots of traps for newcomers. For instance, she says lawyers have been known to charge $800 to draw up a basic employment contract available as a free download from the Department of Labour website.

Help is also available from Business In The Community, an acclaimed mentoring scheme backed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. It offers free support and advice from business people, or you can go directly to the Chamber of Commerce.