Starting or growing a business in Upper Hutt
With a growing population, strong community support and a connected regional economy, you'll find plenty of opportunities here in Upper Hutt.
Whether you're just getting started with a new business or ready to grow your existing business to the next level, our Economic Development team is here to support .
Start your business in Upper Hutt
Why start your business in Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt offers
- Access to a regional workforce of over 500,000 people
- Affordable commercial spaces
- Population growth and loyal local demand
- Easy transport connections across Wellington region.
Whether you're opening a cafe, starting a service business or launching something completely new, our city has room for your ideas to grow.
Your first steps
Starting well means understanding what you need to do early on. Our team can help you work through the below and connect you with our other operational teams in Council:
- Local bylaws and operational requirements
- Home-based businesses regulations
- Food, alcohol, appearance and other licenses
- Building or resource consents.
If you're unsure where to start or who to talk to, talk to us first and we can help you figure it out.
Find the right location
If you need a premise, Upper Hutt offers a range of options from retail and office spaces to workshops and warehouses.
To find the right location, you can either
Tools, advice and resources
When you're starting out, the right information makes a difference. Explore
Business.govt.nz makes it easier for small businesses in New Zealand to understand and comply with government, and succeed.
Grow your business in Upper Hutt
Why expand in Upper Hutt
Businesses choose Upper Hutt for:
- Steady population growth and rising demand
- Room to expand into commercial or industrial spaces
- A collaborative, community-focused business environment
- Strong transport links for staff, customers and logistics
It’s a city big enough to offer opportunities, and small enough that things still move quickly.
What support we can provide
Our Economic Development team can assist you with:
- Identifying suitable locations for expansion
- Getting started on consent or licensing requirements and connecting you with the right team to move the paperwork
- Information on grants, incentives or funding pathways, if there is any
- Connecting with local suppliers or partners if you need one.
- Promotional opportunities
We’re here to support your growth at every stage.
Business networks and community
Upper Hutt has a connected, collaborative business community. You can:
These connections help you learn, grow and stay informed.
Commercial property options
Expanding or relocating your business?
Upper Hutt has a wide variety of commercial and industrial spaces from retail and office spaces to workshops and warehouses.
You can find updated information on TradeMe.
You can also talk to us as we are often aware of upcoming business movement.
Becoming a sustainable business
Sustainable business practices are more resilient to global change and attract rapidly growing green market interest.
We can connect you with our Sustainability team for information on:
- Waste minimisation and recycling
- Clean-tech and sustainability initiatives
- Environmental compliance and best practices
Business continuity planning
A business continuity plan identifies how your organisation can keep its essential functions up and running during a time of disruption. It is important for every business to look into it.
Read more here
Your next step
Our Economic Development team is here to help you get started and connect you with the right people in Council and within the region. Early conversations help avoid delays and get clarity on your options. Just click on the link below to get in touch with the team.
Email Sarah Garnham now