Small Business Minister Maurice Williamson has launched a competition that aims to find New Zealand’s best business plan and give it a kick-start.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the New Zealand economy and I support any initiative that encourages businesses to start and grow,” Williamson.

"The government places great value in small businesses and recognises their important contribution to the economy.”

The competition aims to make the SMB community more aware of the www.business.govt.nz website and raise its profile to more business owners.

The Flying Start Business Plan competition is open to all businesses with less than $1 million annual turnover that have a business idea.

The supreme winner will receive $30,000 from ANZ, along with $10,000 in website and social media development, $10,000 worth of legal advice, $5,000 in education and training and $5,000 of advertising and editorial in NZBusiness magazine.

Regional winners will receive $1,000 in cash, $1,000 in web and social media advice, and $1,000 of legal advice.

The competition closes on June 3rd and winners will be announced on July 26th.

Head on over to the www.business.govt.nz website for more details.