Small businesses in the Bay of Plenty will be supported and encouraged to grow thanks to a long-term commitment to the Regional Business Partner programme.

'The Tauranga Chamber of Commerce will continue to work alongside government over the next five-and-a-half years to support growth amongst local business,” says Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller.

Todd Muller says long term support will be available for small businesses in the Bay. Photo: File.

'This is great news for the Bay of Plenty and reflects government's commitment to help SMEs innovate, develop and employ more people.

'It means business advisors who use their local knowledge and links to the business community to work with each business, identifying their development needs and increasing their ability to carry out key activities.”

Over the last four years almost 10,000 small to medium-sized businesses across New Zealand have benefitted from this programme.

'The Network is a celebration of the strong partnership between this National-led government and regional providers,” says Todd.

The Regional Business Partner Network is jointly funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Callaghan Innovation.