Thursday, October 29, 2026
Jim Collins found that companies which broke away from average performance could name, with brutal precision, what they could be best in the world at. Here's the three-circle test and the goal that pairs with it.
Published by Simple-Growth, a business coaching provider. We are one of the options this kind of funding can be used with, so we have kept this guide to what the official pages say and linked each one. Last updated 1 November 2026.
You have been putting off the coaching decision because of the cost. Fair. But there is a New Zealand Government fund many owners never hear about until after they have paid in full, and the order you do things in matters.
For eligible New Zealand businesses, Management Capability Development funding can pay up to 50% of one-to-one training costs, or up to 75% of group training costs, up to $5,000 per business each year, while funds remain. That is the wording on the business.govt.nz funding page (last reviewed 31 July 2026, edited 3 August 2026).
It is not automatic, and it is not guaranteed. A Regional Business Growth Advisor decides, after meeting you.
The RBPN provider page adds one rule that surprises people: every business must complete a discovery session with a growth advisor before any funding can be considered. The advisor identifies the training you need and shortlists providers. You choose who you work with.
The official page rates the application effort as moderate, about four to 12 hours. For a business losing money to a stuck constraint, that is a small price. For one that is busy but not yet clear on what is wrong, the better first step is a diagnosis, not a programme.
The wider picture explains why owners are asking. In the ANZ Business Outlook released on 29 October 2026, a net 82% of New Zealand firms expected higher costs, and a net 52% planned price rises, the highest since May. Business confidence was a net 53%, but expected own activity slipped to a net 46% (ANZ Business Outlook, October 2026, via Newswire). When costs are climbing, "which problem do I fix first" is worth more than "which programme should I buy".
Funding can apply to different kinds of training, so it helps to know what you are choosing between. We set out who each suits in Business Coach, Consultant, Mentor Or Peer Group? and compared the big global systems in ActionCOACH, EOS, Scaling Up or Vistage? How To Choose.
Do I apply to the Government myself? You register with the Regional Business Partner Network and work with a growth advisor, who decides on funding.
Can I claim back coaching I have already paid for? The official process puts the discovery session first, before funding is considered. Check with your advisor before spending.
Does every coach qualify? No. Training must be delivered by providers registered with the network. Ask any provider you are considering.
Is this the same everywhere in New Zealand? The fund is national, but your advisor is regional, so details and timing can vary. Find yours through business.govt.nz.
Where does Simple-Growth fit? Simple-Growth offers services registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. Funding is only available through the network, is limited, and your local Regional Business Growth Advisor decides after meeting you. We never promise it.
If you want to talk through where you are stuck before you meet an advisor, book a free 30-minute conversation. We will find the real constraint first, so any funded training is aimed at the right thing.
Sources: business.govt.nz Management Capability Development Fund page (reviewed 31 July 2026); business.govt.nz RBPN provider page (reviewed 22 July 2025); ANZ Business Outlook October 2026. Market: New Zealand.