Popular Questions

Some popular questions received by the Business Advice Centre:

  1. I'm thinking about starting a business, but I'm not sure where to start.
    There is a lot to think about when starting a business – financing, recruitment, promotion. A great place to start is preparing a business plan. This will help you get your ideas in order and make sure you've included all the important elements. Download our guide on how to write a business plan.

    However before you start your plan, you also might like to talk to someone who has experience in a similar business area. We can put you in touch with someone who can help.
  2. I am looking to buy a business partner's shares in our joint venture, what are the financing options available to me?
    One of the most popular financing options is through your local bank. We have designed a guide on applying for finance, which may be useful to read before you approach a bank, download our guide on applying for finance here.

    We can also arrange for an ASB Business Manager to contact you and talk through the financing options that will suit your situation on a no obligation basis.
  3. What are my KiwiSaver obligations as an employer?
    We have a simple outline on KiwiSaver on our website www.asb.co.nz/kiwisaver. You can also find more information at www.kiwisaver.govt.nz, or you can go to the Inland Revenue's website at www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/employers. Many businesses find it easier to talk to someone about KiwiSaver directly rather than trying to read about it, call us for assistance.
  4. I'm thinking about selling my business in a few years' time. Do I need to start thinking about it now or can I wait till nearer the time?
    It's never too early to start thinking about when to plan to exit or sell your business. We can put you in contact with one of our Succession Planning Consultants in your area.
  5. I need the name of a business mentor in my area, can you recommend any?
    You can visit the Business Mentors New Zealand website to find out the name of an expert in your region.
  6. I want to franchise my business. How do I go about it?
    We have experience working with both franchisees and franchisors. We can put you in touch with one of our franchising specialists to discuss financing options.
  7. I want to find out more about my obligations as an employer. Can you give me more information?
    This is a specialist area and we recommend you seek legal advice. The Government's website www.business.govt.nz is a good place to start to find out more about workplace and employer obligations.
  8. I need some direction on how to manage my business' cash flow.
    We can put you in contact with one of our Business Managers who may be able to help you.
  9. What do I need to consider before I import goods into New Zealand?
    There are a lot of things to consider. The Government website http://newzealand.govt.nz has some useful information as a starting point.
  10. How do I go about registering my business for GST?
    You need to register for GST at the Inland Revenue Department, you can visit their website, www.ird.govt.nz for more information.

Do you have a business question?

It doesn't matter if your business question is complex or basic, we are open to fielding any business questions you may have.

Simply, fill in the form below and we will reply to your question within one business day. Alternatively, call us during business hours (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday) on 0800 405 505.

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Information provided by the Business Advice Centre is general in nature and is not intended to constitute financial, legal or taxation advice. Accordingly, you should not take any action without considering your particular circumstances and taking appropriate professional advice. References to non ASB websites are provided for convenience and ASB accepts no responsibility for the availability or content of such websites. ASB makes no express or implied representations or warranties regarding advice received from any third party and no right of action shall arise against ASB, its related companies or any of their respective directors, officers or employees either directly or indirectly as a result of any referrals to third parties provided by the Business Advice Centre. Terms and conditions and details about fees for ASB products and services mentioned are available on request. Lending criteria applies to all business lending.