(Picture caption: Small family-owned businesses are flourishing under the CIDANZ Enterprising Families programme.)
Pacific small family-owned businesses are receiving the tools needed to empower them to thrive independently, through the support of the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) and the Pacific Business Village.
The agency acts as a provider for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ initiative, set up to support sustained growth in the Pacific business sector and to provide a strategic framework for long-term economic development for Pacific businesses nationwide.
Chief Executive of CIDANZ Rouruina Emil'e-Brown says the Pacific Business Village funding facilitates the support of growing family-owned businesses in Auckland, under the agency’s existing Enterprising and Business Families programme.
“Pacific-owned businesses are receiving practical support in business planning, financial management, marketing and sales, health and safety, and business growth,” Rouruina says.
Small businesses are starting to thrive in a cooperative learning environment, while stepping up to the next level thanks to the business growth advice and opportunities they are provided with.
“These opportunities build upon their existing capabilities, capacities and networks,” Rouruina adds.
Initiatives such as the Pacific Business Village are invaluable at a time when small businesses are struggling in a tough economic environment.
“Nurturing an enterprising spirit and supporting Pasifika families and communities throughout New Zealand to do business well and together can achieve more than just economic independence and resilience,” Rouruina says.
“Good business can contribute positively to Pacific families and communities by improving educational success, literacy, and training, developing and empowering leadership, building cultural capital, identity, and a sense of belonging.
“Pacific enterprises and business also contribute products, services and programmes that directly address positive family and community outcomes.
“In our space the products and services created reflect cultural capital as a unique and valuable offering to customers.”
Established to support the sustainable socio-cultural and economic development of Cook Islands communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, CIDANZ collaborates and brokers with government agencies, business, funders, and other service providers to offer families access to resources, skills, and opportunities they can use to grow their own enterprise and money-making businesses.
“We support the development and growth of enterprising families to collaborate, trade and share resources where our cultural capital is valued; providing them with financial independence as well opportunities to make a positive contribution to New Zealand’s economy and society,” Rouruina says.
Looking ahead, CIDANZ is working on providing businesses with an improved offering that addresses personal, family, community and cultural concerns that adds pressure to business owners.
“This more holistic offering will ensure families are well-equipped and supported to balance their personal lives and journeys as business owners…we’re excited to be working in this way with our business community.”
Visit the CIDANZ website for more information.