Your business plan, along with supporting documents, will be used to determine that:
- You have enough money to establish the proposed business in New Zealand and to support you and any family;
- Your financial forecasts are realistic;
- You have relevant business experience, including qualifications, existing businesses, shareholdings;
- You have not been involved with a business failure within the last five years;
- You have not been involved in business fraud or wrongdoing;
- You have obtained occupational registration in New Zealand, where this is required for the business;
- That you have gained an understanding of the New Zealand market.
Your business plan must focus on the following four areas, and each section is assessed individually and assigned a weighting as follows:
Business outline - 30%: The business outline involves the description of the proposed business, including details about the potential market. The information regarding the ownership structure of the business and the numbers and skills of employees is required. A realistic proposed timeline for the business and an analysis of the business' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is necessary.
Financial information - 25%: The financial forecast section of the business plan will need to be prepared by a chartered accountant. This primarily involves a cashflow forecast and a profit and loss forecast.
Business experience - 25%: The applicant must provide evidence of business experience and provide originals or certified copies of the following documents to the Immigration Service:
- Proof of ownership of business.
- Business registration.
- Company accounts or tax returns.
- Shareholder certificates.
- Description of responsibilities in the business.
Business experience means a minimum of two years experience either owning at least 25% of a business or having management experience such as planning, organising and control of the activities of business or supervisory experience such as line management responsibilities which involves planning, organisation and control of the activities of the business.
New Zealand market knowledge - 20%: Knowledge of the New Zealand market can be demonstrated through evidence of any connections you have had with New Zealand businesses, previous involvement with New Zealand businesses, professional advice you have received from New Zealand and details of any associates or family members who have had similar business ventures in New Zealand.