Business Enterprise

This service is for businesses that provide employment opportunities for disabled people and health conditions lasting longer than six months who have difficulty finding open employment in a safe and supportive segregated setting.

Who can get it

This service contributes to the additional costs of support and supervision of disabled employees.

The availability of these services is limited. You'll need to contact your local Business Enterprise and check if they have a funded spot available. They may also check your eligibility with MSD.

You can qualify for employment with a Business Enterprise provider if:

• You are currently living in New Zealand,
• be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, or hold an appropriate open work permit, or a person recognised as a refugee or protected person,
• have a disability or health condition that is likely to continue for a minimum of six months, and present a barrier to participation and inclusion,
• require support to address this barrier or require assistance in addition to that provided by the Ministry’s mainstream services. This support or assistance may be ongoing.
• you've left school.
• You did not undertake a formal deinstitutionalisation process (Whaikaha support you).

Most Business Enterprises utilise the Minimum Wage Exemption Permit scheme which allows them to pay their employees less than minimum wage. This scheme is administered by MBIE. Further information can be found here:

What can you get

Business Enterprise service providers can help you to:

• participate in activities, services and facilities that are part of the daily lives of New Zealanders,
• develop skills for daily living and participating in the community,
• make a contribution to the community through voluntary work,
• achieve valued roles such as: student, teammate, teacher, parent, spokesperson,
• participate in your culture
• take part in work experience and/or work related skills training,
• identify appropriate employment opportunities,
• gain and maintain paid employment or self-employment,
• maintain and extend friendships and social and support networks.

How to apply

You'll need to contact a Business Enterprise provider and check if they have a spot available:

Table 1: Business Enterprise Providers

Further information about the Disability Business Enterprise Sector can be found here: Aotearoa Disability Enterprises (ade.org.nz)