Opportunity Hamilton

Business resources for start ups

Opportunity Hamilton has a range of tools, documents, plans and programmes for download to help you start your business.
If you don’t see what you need here, contact us to see how we can help.

Give yourself the best chance of success
Answer these 40 Questions to find out if you are suited or prepared for the challenges of starting a business.

Are you ready to launch?
Answer these 10 Questions and you have already got the basis of a business plan.

What do you need to consider?
Follow the Step by Step Flowchart to guide you through the various stages of the preparation process.

How good is your idea?
Before preparing a comprehensive business plan complete a basic start-up Business Plan to see if your idea has potential.

Are you looking for an investor?
Tips to help structure your business plan to convince a potential investor that your business is viable, you are the right person to run it and it is absolutely worth putting money into.

Is your business idea viable?
Preparing a Cashflow Spreadsheet will assist you in determining the viability of your business idea.

Explaining business terms
Frequently used Business Terms explained in plain English.

Labour Market Directory A-Z Directory
Click here to download the directory.

Hamilton is located close to both of New Zealand’s major ports at Auckland and Tauranga. Three tertiary institutions, - The University of Waikato, Wintec and Te Wananga o Aotearoa are located in Hamilton. The University of Waikato generates three percent of the region’s total revenue and nearly $1 billion for the New Zealand economy as a whole. Hamilton is a student city, with more than 46,000 people in tertiary study. The ultra fast broadband rollout has begun in Hamilton. It is expected to boost economic growth by 1.3%. Hamilton's $68.4 million Claudelands Convention and Exhibition Centre includes a 5,000-capacity multipurpose indoor arena, 1,500-capacity conference centre and upgraded exhibition facilities. Hamilton is the second fastest growing population centre in New Zealand behind Auckland. Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, and fourth largest urban area. Hamilton is on the main tourist route between Auckland and Taupo. Hamilton is the heart of the Waikato. Hamilton has a land area of 98.6 km2 (New Zealand's smallest city in terms of land area). The average age in Hamilton is 31.3 years compared to 35.9 years nationally. Hamilton has a youthful population - around half of residents are under 30 years old. Research and development plays an important part in Hamilton's economy - the city is home to more than 100 PhD scientists Hamilton is known as New Zealand's science capital and is an ideal place to become involved with forward-thinking innovators. Hamilton's sister cities are Sacramento, USA, Saitama, Japan and Wuxi in People's Republic of China. Hamilton's location in New Zealand's growth triangle - Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty - make it a hotbed of economic growth. The website www.investwaikato.com matches global investors, suppliers or partners with Waikato business owners looking for connections. Dairy farming is at the heart of the region, with today's agricultural developments centred on high-tech innovations within the biotechnology, new foods, sensor and software sectors. The World Bank's Ease of Business Survey 2011 ranked New Zealand an impressive third of 138 OECD economies and first for both starting a business and protecting investors. Waikato is known for equine excellence, with the highest number of horses per region in New Zealand. Most horses bred in the region are for export, with thoroughbred horse exports totaling about $160 million annually.