Check available support before a digital project
Before committing to a digital project, check whether relevant advice, training or funding support is available. Make that enquiry alongside a clear business brief. The strongest starting point is a worthwhile change your business understands, with support considered as one part of the investment decision.
Editorial responsibility: Nardus Oelofse, Chief Consultant.
By Chase & Marshal
Describe the problem before the proposed purchase
Explain the work that needs to improve, who is affected and the result you want. Include the current cost or operational difficulty where you can establish it. Separate the business need from a preferred software product.
This gives an adviser enough context to direct you towards appropriate help. It also makes it easier to distinguish needs for management capability, process design, staff training and implementation. These can involve different types of support and should not be assumed to fall within one programme.
Start with current official information
Business.govt.nz describes the Regional Business Partner Network as a route to local advice, connections, training and support. Its current information is a useful starting point for checking what may apply to your business and where to enquire.
Read the current programme details and confirm eligibility directly with the relevant provider or adviser. Availability, assessment criteria and the work covered can change. Record what has actually been confirmed and any conditions attached before including support in a project budget.
Ask questions that affect the commitment
Clarify which activities are eligible, whether a particular provider must be approved, when an application or assessment must occur and what evidence is required. Ask how costs are paid and whether the business must fund them before any reimbursement.
For an illustrative business reviewing its customer systems, management training, process advice and software configuration might be treated differently. Confirm each component separately. Do not assume that support for planning also covers licences, development or ongoing operation.
Keep the business case sound without assumptions
Evaluate the project using its full cost, including internal time, data preparation, training and ongoing support. Show any unconfirmed assistance separately. Decide whether the work remains worthwhile, should be narrowed or needs further evidence before proceeding.
A useful project brief lets you approach both advisers and delivery partners with the same clear need. Bring the problem, intended outcome, current systems, responsible leader and approximate scope. That preparation helps the conversation focus on appropriate support and a practical next step, rather than chasing an attractive subsidy without a defined purpose.
Questions answered
Can Chase & Marshal confirm our eligibility for public funding?
Eligibility and approval depend on the current programme and its authorised assessment process. Confirm those directly. We can discuss the business need and proposed work without assuming funding or provider eligibility.
Related
Sources
Sources supporting the factual statements in this article. Findings should be read within their stated dates, geography and scope.
- Helping Kiwi businesses succeed - Business.govt.nz. www.business.govt.nz. Publication date not supplied.
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner | Homedown arrow. www.privacy.org.nz. Publication date not supplied.
Clarify the project before committing
We can help clarify a digital project before you approach advisers or commit to delivery. Share the operating problem and the change you are considering.
