Talofa lava ,
Running a small business is hard enough.
Paying the bills. Staying afloat. Looking after customers. Doing the paperwork after everyone else has gone home. The last thing they need is the government making it harder.
That’s why today Labour announced the next step in our Small Business Action Plan: Small Business First.
It means a fairer shot at government work. We’ll set a target for 15% of government contracts to go to New Zealand small businesses and start-ups, break big contracts into smaller jobs where it makes sense, and remove unnecessary barriers that shut smaller firms out.
It means less time dealing with the government. We’ll look at ways to make better use of information the government already holds, so small business owners aren’t repeatedly asked for the same details by different government agencies. We’ll also review the tax paperwork and summer deadlines that pile more work onto already busy owners.
And it means making sure small business is considered when new rules are made. Before new rules and regulations are signed off, Ministers and agencies will have to consider what they mean in practice for the café owner, the tradie, the local shop or the person running a business from their kitchen table.
This comes on top of our plan to get small businesses paid on time, make it easier to invest in new equipment, and give the smallest businesses more room to grow before they have to register for GST.
Small businesses aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re asking for a fair shot - and a government that backs the people doing the hard work.
A Labour Government will back them, not get in their way.
A fair shot at work. Less hassle. Small Business First.
