7 September 2018
BNZ was today recognised by Canstar for the passion it delivers across New Zealand to support the small businesses that
power our economy.
Winning the Canstar Small Business Bank of the Year 2018 is a great acknowledgment of BNZ’s continued commitment to
delivering the exceptional service, products and support that small business customers deserve.
"Small businesses need more than just a traditional bank,” says BNZ Chief Executive Officer, Angie Mentis. "They need a
trusted partner that can help them navigate an increasingly complex environment, and a partner that takes the time to
understand their ambitions to grow and succeed,” says Ms Mentis.
“Small businesses are far too often the unsung heroes of the New Zealand economy – making up 97 per cent of all
enterprises and employing nearly a third all of New Zealanders. Having grown up in a small business family I am a
passionate believer in the need to continually provide the tools and services to help them focus on being successful.
Every one of them is unique and no two owners need the same support. BNZ is exceptionally well placed to help,” says Ms
Mentis.
The award is based on research conducted by Canstar, which assesses loan products, banking facilities, relationship
managers, support services, business insights, education, advice and other services in making their decision.
Ms Mentis highlights three areas where BNZ works to help their small business customers succeed.
“Good support, information, and advice you can trust is critical. Over and above that, we know small businesses need to
connect with each other to learn, seek inspiration and create new opportunities. BNZ Connect speaking events; providing
businesses with co-working spaces and our Community 101 initiative that gives business owners a place to get work done,
hold meetings, and meet other owners, are all part of creating an environment for success,” says Ms Mentis.
“And if our business partners have aspirations beyond our own shores we pride ourselves on the support we provide to
help entrepreneurs take on the world. We are long supporters of the Kiwi Landing Pad in San Francisco, helping Kiwi
companies get a foothold in the US market,” says Ms Mentis. Over the last seven years BNZ has helped 3000 businesses
access Kiwi Landing Pad services for free.
BNZ is proud to have won the Canstar “Bank of the Year – Small Business” seven times in the last eight years.
ENDS