The government has revealed a new training programme to help small businesses take advantage of the government's ultra-fast broadband and rural broadband programmes.

Announced by Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams, the Digital Enablement Training programme will be rolled out across New Zealand in the coming months.

The programme includes workshops to examine how UFB, RBI and other new technologies will impact on companies and identifies the opportunities it presents.

Adams says despite the fact that nearly two million New Zealanders want to buy online, only 64% of small businesses have a website and only 11% offer customers the ability to pay online.

“The internet is a strong and growing marketplace," Adams says. "Faster broadband can deliver greater productivity and lower costs, but small businesses need to know how to use it to maximum effect.

“Fast broadband enables businesses to connect easily to the world, and our investment in broadband will support innovation, high-tech jobs, and grow productivity.

“The Digital Enablement Training programme will help these businesses understand the benefits that UFB, RBI and ICT services can bring, and help them make more sophisticated use of the tools and services available.

The programme has been supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and will be available through the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Regional Business Partner Network around New Zealand.