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Becoming a service provider
Service providers give training to eligible people within a small business – providing them with the skills to lift their management capability.
Find out about:
- what service providers do
- how to become one.
Helping businesses grow their capability
As a service provider, you give training to eligible people within a small business – providing them with the skills to lift their management capability
Already a service provider?
Interested in becoming a service provider?
How does it work?
Our Growth Advisors work directly with small businesses to identify areas where training or expert support is needed.
If training is recommended, the Growth Advisor will shortlist suitable service providers. The business owner then selects the provider that best fits their needs.
Once registered, you’ll join our national pool of service providers and may be matched with businesses as part of your client base.
Businesses may receive a subsidy through the Management Capability Development Fund to help cover part of your service fees.
Who can become a service provider?
All service providers must have a proven track record in delivering high-quality business training to SMEs. We're specifically looking for organisations that build capability by teaching and upskilling others—not those that provide hands-on implementation or consulting services.
Whether you specialise in a niche area or offer broad expertise, if your focus is on training others to do, we’d love to hear from you.
Check your eligibility
Before you apply, check you meet all of the following criteria:
- your business is based in New Zealand (that means it is physically located here)
- you have professional indemnity insurance cover of $1 million or more. This insurance must currently be in place and be renewed each year. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
- you must have a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), and
You can demonstrate a strong track record of delivering quality management training.
This means your organisation should have clear, visible evidence of your training services, ideally showcased on your website. We expect to see examples such as:
- descriptions of training programmes or workshops you offer
- case studies or testimonials from businesses you’ve trained
- profiles of trainers and their qualifications
- any relevant certifications or affiliations.
This visibility helps us, and potential clients, understand your expertise and reinforces your credibility as a training provider.
What kind of expertise is needed?
We’re looking for providers who can provide expertise in the following key areas:
- business planning
- improved business systems
- marketing strategy
- digitalisation
- finance & capital-raising
- exporting
- managing resources
- governance
- environmental sustainability
- lean manufacturing/business operations.
For a comprehensive list of topics, see our eligible service subjects.
What kind of commitment is required?
When you become a service provider, we may be referring new clients to you from time to time.
You’ll work with each client to help address their identified need, usually for a limited period of time.
How does the co-funding work?
The Management Capability Fund subsidises your services. For example, for one-on-one training, the business must contribute at least 50% of the total cost.
All businesses must complete a Discovery Session with a Growth Advisor before any funding can be considered.
As a service provider, you must not imply or guarantee that a business will receive funding. The decision to allocate funding rests solely with the Growth Advisor, based on the business’s needs and eligibility.
Your role is to support the business with training if funding is approved - not to influence or pre-empt the funding process.
Will the service I provide be assessed or monitored?
There’s no formal assessment process or KPIs you need to meet. Instead, each client will provide informal feedback on how they’re finding your services. Your client will be working with a Growth Advisor from the RBP Network, who will check in regularly to see how things are going.
Will you specify how we need to deliver the training?
No, you’ll be providing the types of services that you normally do. There’s no prescribed format – the only aim is to meet the needs of the business by upskilling them to lift management capability.
Will I always work with businesses in my local region?
Not necessarily. Sometimes the businessperson prefers to work with service providers located elsewhere, or we may need to match them with specialist providers who are located outside of their region.
How will the network get to know me, and learn more about my business?
A great way to get started is by connecting with your local Regional Business Partner (RBP) team. We’re a relationship-driven network, so take the opportunity to introduce yourself, share what you do, and learn more about the businesses in your region.
Whether it’s grabbing a coffee with a Growth Advisor or attending local networking events, these connections help the network understand your strengths and how you can support small businesses.
Can I refer my existing clients to the RBP Network for assistance?
If you believe one of your clients could benefit from support in an area outside your expertise, you’re welcome to refer them to the RBP Network.
For example, you might be providing business planning training, but your client may also need specialised training in digital marketing.
Please note that referring a client does not guarantee they will be matched with you for future services. All businesses are supported by a Growth Advisor, who will help them explore their options and choose the provider that best fits their needs.
Can I continue working with my RBP clients after their funding has finished?
Yes. You and the business-owner may choose to continue working together after the funding has finished. This would indicate the business sees ongoing value in your services, and it would be a good outcome for you both.
Ready to register?
1. Getting started
You’ll need 15 minutes to register and add your first service.
2. Supply your details
Have your New Zealand Business Number and professional indemnity insurance details handy.
3. Complete the online application
Got any questions? We’ll be happy to help
To learn more about how the RBP Network can help you, email us or get in touch with your local organisation.