Escalator Service
INTRODUCTION
The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Escalator service is aimed at assisting business growth by
providing innovative small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial New Zealanders with skills
and assistance to access investment opportunities.
Through the Escalator service eligible participants needing capital to expand, diversify or commercialise a new
concept can develop a greater understanding of the issues around funding business growth, learn when
additional investment is needed, what the options are and how to progress. Some may also gain help in
securing equity investment and/or a strategic partnership from the specialist Escalator brokers.
Companies or entrepreneurs showing strong potential to attract investment are eligible for the Escalator service,
which is provided throughout New Zealand for NZTE by four independent brokers and EDANZ (Economic
Development Association of New Zealand).
The Escalator service has been developed to address one of the main hurdles to growth for the thousands of
SMEs and entrepreneurs in New Zealand – the lack of access to and understanding of equity/venture capital or
strategic partnerships.
Attracting and accessing this kind of investment is hard work for businesses. It requires having a business
opportunity that offers potential for growth and a return to the investor, and both the business and the investor
sharing the same passion and vision for the business’ potential.
The Escalator service involves a process of working with eligible businesses and entrepreneurs to determine
whether there are investment opportunities for them in the market. Not all businesses will be able to attract a
suitable investor and in these cases the Escalator brokers will work with each business to help them access
other programmes to support their growth.
WHAT DOES THE ESCALATOR SERVICE INCLUDE?
The Escalator service offers:
• General information and assistance online at www.escalator.co.nz from a qua