Starting a business guide
Our guide can help you turn that niggling desire to start or buy your own business into a gratifying reality. It includes tips, information and templates to help you plan a successful business.
ANZ HOWTWO Small Business Support Programme
A programme designed to help your business make it through the crucial first two years and beyond. When you join the programme, you’ll enjoy no monthly account fees on ANZ Business Current accounts for two years, in-depth insights, a check in with an ANZ Business banking specialist, and more—.
Introduction to getting started in business
Get your new business off to a great start by setting it up properly. Our video summarises the whole process, including validating your idea, business planning, figuring out costs, and choosing a business name and structure.
Start-up checklist
Empower your start-up journey by downloading our checklist, which will help you tackle some of the things you need to do to successfully launch your new business.
You and your idea
Much of what makes a new business successful is the personality and qualities of the owner. Reflect on your skills, experience, and character. Any investors will want to know about you as well as testing your idea and your numbers.
A lot of people tell me it’s a lifestyle choice but it’s not, it’s a way of life. You have to live it, breathe it, and be passionate about it – Shawn Pope, Melba Cafe
Start from scratch, buy or franchise?
Talk to someone who’s started their own business or bought a business or franchise. It's a good way to understand the pros and cons, which helps give your business idea the best shot at success.
I'd been wanting to set up a moving business. I asked the owners if it was for sale. They were due to put an ad in the local paper in two days – Joanne Paul, Waiheke Movers
Know your market and customers
Will people or businesses buy what you want to sell? That’s what will turn your idea into a successful business. Validate customer demand before you borrow money, quit your job, or buy a business.
You need skills that cover every single aspect of the business, especially when you’re online because of all the marketing – Kathryn Fleming, The Flower Project
Funding your business
As well as testing your market, think about how much it’ll cost to get your business up and running – and keep it running day-to-day. Plan how you’ll fund the start-up phase and understand what can make your cash flow go up and down.
We worried about cash flow and being able to afford the right people and assets. Luckily, we weren’t afraid to ask for advice from our ANZ Business Banker and our accountant – Alistair Parker, Molly Woppy
Lay strong foundations
It may be tempting to just get going, but good systems will make your working life easier – and help your cash flow. Examples include invoicing, preparing for tax time, managing risks and setting up easy-to-follow processes for common tasks.
We're always looking at how can we be more efficient, use AI, and rely more on machines to help us increase output – Brent Godfrey, Forty Thieves
Launch and grow your business
The most exciting part of starting a business can be launch day when you tell the world you’re open for business. It’s important to plan for this big push but remember to factor in what comes next as you build a customer base.
The biggest challenge is staffing. Ramping up for seasonality and ramping down for seasonality – Lloyd Rooney, Two Boys Network
Professional support
Starting a business can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. It pays to build a strong support network. This can include mentors, other business owners, and expert advisors such as accountants and lawyers. Going it alone can make it harder.
Contact an ANZ Business Specialist
Our specialists understand your kind of business and the challenges you face as a business owner. We can help you figure out how to make your business grow and succeed.
How we can help
Accounts, debit and credit cards for businesses
Explore our range of business accounts, cards and banking packages. We’ve got something to suit your business, whatever your needs or size.
If you're starting out or got a new business, one of our account and card packages might be right for you.
How to accept payments
Accept credit card, debit card, mobile device and online payments using our payment solutions for merchants and businesses, including ANZ FastPay for mobile payments and eGate™ for online, phone and mail order payments.
Māori business support
Get specialist banking expertise from people who understand and work with Māori businesses of different sizes, industries and stages of development.
Useful websites and organisations
Important information
We’ve provided this material as a complimentary service. It is prepared based on information and sources ANZ believes to be reliable. ANZ cannot warrant its accuracy, completeness or suitability for your intended use. The content is information only, is subject to change, and isn’t a substitute for commercial judgement or professional advice, which you should seek before relying on it. To the extent the law allows, ANZ doesn’t accept any responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from any act or omissions by any person relying on this material.
Please talk to us if you need financial advice about a product or service. See our Financial Advice Provider Disclosure Statement (PDF 44.6KB).