If you’re looking to develop new skills and expertise in-house, the Management Capability Funding scheme could be just what you need to help you on your way.

The Management Capability Funding scheme helps subsidise training and coaching services so that business owners can access development opportunities across a wide range of areas, including but not limited to marketing, finance, exporting and sustainability.

The Nelson Regional Development Agency is part of the nationwide Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network, a network that supports businesses through their growth and innovation journey. As the Regional Business Partner for the Top of the South, we have a dedicated advisor on hand to assist you through the process of starting and growing your business. We can help you to identify and understand opportunities for your business to thrive, to navigate any barriers that you may face, to put together an action plan to ensure you are able to reach your business goals and to access funding opportunities.

To access or find out more about the Management Capability Funding Scheme, please contact Mark Maguire, our Regional Business Partner.

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What is the Management Capability Funding able to be used for?

What is the Management Capability Funding able to be used for?

Management Capability Funding is designed to help business owners to access training and coaching services by providing them with up to a 50% subsidy toward the registered service cost (up to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST).

There are numerous areas in which you may be able to get assistance with, including:

  • Business Planning
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Business Systems
  • Staff Management
  • Governance
  • Sustainability
  • Lean Manufacturing & Business Operations
  • Exporting

The vouchers may be used for sole traders, business partners, directors, CEO’s, senior management and team leaders in the development and growth of management capabilities but may not be used for general staff training.

How do I know if i'm eligible to apply for Management Capability Funding?

How do I know if i'm eligible to apply for Management Capability Funding?

Any business is able to meet with a Regional Business Advisor for assistance and advice, but to access the Management Capability Funding, the business must have undertaken a discovery assessment with a Regional Business Advisor. After the assessment, if it is identified that an investment in the business would have an impact on the businesses ability to grow and contribute to economic development within the region, the business may be eligible for a Capability Voucher to cover up to 50% of the cost of that training or coaching (up to a maximum of $5000 p/a per business).

The business must:

  • Be able to demonstrate both willingness and capacity to grow
  • Have developed an action plan together with our Regional Business Advisor
  • Have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees
  • Be registered for GST in New Zealand
  • Operating in a commercial environment
  • Be a privately owned business, OR a Maori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, OR a similar organisation managing Maori assets under multiple ownership

The business should also:

  • Be exporting, have export potential, be involved in the export supply chain or have the potential to contribute to economic development in the region
  • Demonstrate commitment to improving management capability. Indicators of commitment include the fact they have sought advice, have worked through the assessment process and are willing to co-fund capability-building activities and make the required time commitment
  • Have an identified gap in its capability that can be addressed through management capability building and training

The Regional Business Advisor will be able to discuss the criteria for funding with you and will usually be able to confirm whether your business is eligible for Management Capability Funding.

How much is the Capability Voucher worth?

How much is the Capability Voucher worth?

The Capability Voucher Funding can be used to subsidise up to 50% of the cost of the training or coaching services, to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST. This can only be applied to the cost of services from providers who are registered with the Regional Business Partner Network.

Can I apply for more than one Capability Voucher?

Can I apply for more than one Capability Voucher?

Yes, you can. There is no limit to the number of Capability Vouchers that can be issued to any one company, although the total value of the vouchers must not exceed the maximum threshold of $5,000 per year.

If you have reached the maximum threshold for the year (1 July – 30 June), you must wait until the year rolls over before you can apply again. It is important to note that a review of the previous coaching will be undertaken by the Regional Business Advisor, and if necessary, a new action plan will be developed.

How do I apply for Management Capability Funding?

How do I apply for Management Capability Funding?

Email our Regional Business Advisor - Mark Maguire at mark.maguire@nelsontasman.nz to set up a meeting to discuss your Management Capability Funding requirements. You will undergo a brief business assessment to ensure eligibility.

Who runs the training and coaching services?

Who runs the training and coaching services?

You are able to use the Management Capability Funding with a number of local and national service providers through the Regional Business Partner Network “marketplace”, all of which have registered and been accepted into the program. You can use the marketplace to select and filter your required training requirements.

Do the Capability Vouchers expire?

Do the Capability Vouchers expire?

Yes, they do. You have one year to actually undertake the training or coaching services, but you must “allocate” the voucher to a training or coaching service provider within one month of it being issued to you.

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