Have a great startup idea and not sure quite what to do next? We talked to the team from the GridAKL / Tech Café – a GridAKL space crafted to help people get their ideas off the ground about services, tools, tips and tricks to get your idea going. This is the third part in a three part series; you can read part one all about programs to kick start your idea with a programme or competition here, and part two all about the power of community here.
Some say that the best way to start is by throwing yourself into something, but when it comes to business sometimes, it can be good to take a step back, assess the need-to-knows and then jump in. You may be wondering, do I need to be GST registered? How do I keep track of my invoices? What legal stuff should I be worried about? And we are here to say all of the above questions (and more) are totally normal. The best thing is that we are here to help make things easier for you.
Legal
Setting up the right foundation for your startup
In this epic article, Sacha Judd outlines everything from why trust is not enough, to legal grounds for great businesses long term. Stuffed with great advice and a Beyonce reference, this is excellent reading for anyone venturing forth with a startup idea!
HGM Hotdesk
Have a legal question, or not sure if you should have a legal question? Thanks to the folks at BizDojo @ GridAKL, the GridAKL / Tech Café hosts an HGM hotdesk every two weeks giving you access to the legal insights of one of the HGM team. Sessions are free to book for GridAKL / Tech Café members, but we have the odd spot free for the wider startup ecosystem – give Emma@BizDojo.com an email for more info. If you need a bit more intensive help, they offer a Ready, Set, Go Package for legal help starting at $2000.
Back of the Napkin
Framing out a basic agreement between co-founders, Back of the napkin is a great tool for clarifying where people stand in a relationship. Crafted by Buddle Findlay, who are also the ones who host the article above.
Legal basics for startups
Simmonds Stewart are big supporters of the startup scene in New Zealand, and it shows. Their website is chocka with guides like the one above, and even some templates covering things like contractor agreements, term sheets and more.
Accounting
Deloitte Private Hotdesks
Have a burning accounting question? Not sure how to frame up your business for investment? Not sure if you are covering the basics with your book keeping? Or maybe you are a first time contractor currently grappling with invoicing. Thanks to BizDojo the GridAKL / Tech Café hosts hot desks with the team Deloitte Private, the perfect people to answer all your accounting questions. Sessions are free to book for GridAKL / Tech Café members, but we have the odd spot free for the wider startup ecosystem – give Emma@BizDojo.com an email for more info.
Xero small business guides
Covering everything from invoicing through to book-keeping, job costing and how to recall payroll taxes accurately – the Xero website is a great place to get information fast.
General business stuff
Guide to starting a business
Unsurprisingly, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is a treasure trove of information. As well as the above guide to starting a business the MBIE website you can find out what government help is available for small businesses, a step by step guide for hiring team members, and even a charge out rate calculator.
Creating business value
From the folks at Mums Garage, this two part guide is full of practical advice about what it is to create value, and how you can optimise this within your business or pre-startup. This guide is one of many on the Mums Garage website, and is definitely worth a read.
Need help support progressing that glimmer of an idea into a fully formed thriving business? Reach out to the team at the GridAKL / Tech Café here. If you are a student make the most of our student discount that gives those between 18-25 50% off their Tech Cafe Membership – to get your discount code click here and sign up for our Student Business Builder list, we will connect you with events and opportunities to help you on your entrepreneurial journey to make sure you get the most out of your discounted membership!
This blog post was written by GridAKL / John Lysaght Building team member Anya, if you have a story you think she would love to write about tweet her about it.
