Supporting our local businesses

Whether you're looking to hire new staff, support existing employees, or connect with young people entering the workforce, there are programmes and partners ready to help.

Explore the below:

• Connected.govt.nz — employment, training and support pathways
• Work and Income — recruitment support, subsidies and programmes
• Te Puni Kōkiri — initiatives supporting Māori employment

• Local pathways (e.g. schools, youth services, community training providers) such as:
  • Getting in touch with our local colleges about their Gateway programmes
  • Young Enterprise Scheme
  • Upper Hutt Youth Trust
  • Capital Training
  • Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Education to Employment Programme
  • Apprenticeships or vocational pathways programme
  • Vibe
  • Mana in Mahi – If you're an employer who hires one of Work and Income’s 18-24 year old candidates, Work and Income may be able to help with funding and on-the-job support.

Whether you’re looking to improve governance, digital skills, financial planning or general business know-how, there are free or subsidised programmes available.

Courses you can look into:

• Business planning and resilience
• Governance and leadership development
• Digital transformation and online tools
• Financial capability and training.

Explore the below:

• Sign up to Upper Hutt Libraries' membership and get free access to LinkedIn Learning
• Regional Business Partners Network — capability vouchers and expert advisors
• Digital Boost — free online digital training for small business
• Business.govt.nz — training and development options for your team.

Business owners can also access free online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, HubSpot Academy, and Google Digital Garage, covering essential topics such as digital marketing, finance, management, AI, and entrepreneurship from top universities and companies.

If you’re looking to grow, innovate, or develop new capability, you may be eligible for funding or support. Many options exist at local, regional and national levels.

Explore the below:

• New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology — support for R&D and innovation
• Regional Business Partners Network — business capability co-funding
• Te Puni Kōkiri — Māori business grants and programmes
• Ministry of Environment Waste Minimisation Fund — waste minimisation funding 
• WasteMINZ — waste minimisation funding

Some industries need more specialised advice. Whether you’re exporting, innovating, working in tech, creative sectors, or trades, or looking for support tailored for Māori businesses or women in business, help is available.

Explore the below:

• New Zealand Trade & Enterprise — export support and international connection
• Te Puni Kōkiri — Māori or Pacific business support
• Women in Business
• BNI — Regional entrepreneurship networks
• Creative HQ, Hospitality New Zealand, Retail NZ or other industry-specific accelerators/incubators.

We can also connect you with local networks or regional partners, if any, who specialises in your industry.

Keeping your business, staff, and customers safe is an essential part of running a successful operation. Proactive crime prevention can reduce risk, minimise disruption, and help create a safer environment for everyone. New Zealand Police provides practical advice and tools to help you identify vulnerabilities and take simple steps to protect your business.

Explore the below from New Zealand Police:

• Practical tips: Practical tips to improve security and reduce risk for your business
• Crime prevention checklist: Complete this quick Police checklist and receive crime-prevention tips specific to your business
• Reporting crime: How to report suspicious behaviour, theft, vandalism, or incidents that affect your business
• Trespass notices: Guidance on when and how to issue a trespass notice.