Coasties, if you're a business owner feeling the pressure, there’s some positive news on the horizon.

The Government, in collaboration with the Auckland Business Chamber, has announced a new agreement to make mental health and wellbeing resources freely accessible for business owners across the country.

Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly shared the details in a recent statement.

“As a former business owner, I know first-hand the toll running a business can take on your mental health,” Minister Bayly said.

“Business owners up and down the country are doing it particularly tough right now as they battle challenging economic conditions. With Mental Health Awareness Week now underway, it is a timely reminder that business owners need all the support they can get.”

The initiative comes at a crucial time, with many New Zealanders finding it difficult to discuss their mental health or knowing where to turn for help.

To address this, an online platform called First Steps has been launched.

It's designed to provide resources tailored specifically for business owners, offering them essential tools to manage their mental health.

First Steps isn’t just about mental health counselling.

According to Minister Bayly, “The platform connects users with professionals who can offer a variety of services, including nutritional advice, leadership training, business mentorship, and even guidance on digital literacy.”

These services aim to support business owners in a holistic way, focusing on both personal and professional wellbeing.

In the past year, the First Steps platform has been a vital resource, accessed more than 750,000 times.

“It’s all about supporting business owners to take that first step,” Bayly explained.

“The intention is to crack open the door and provide basic tools to help them begin their journey towards better mental health.”

One of the key benefits of this platform is its flexibility.

The on-demand content caters to business owners who may not have the time to take extended breaks but still need support.

It is freely available for all New Zealanders to use, regardless of where they are based.

The memorandum of understanding between the Government and Auckland Business Chamber ensures that the resources will be kept up to date and managed with a business-focused approach.

“It is great that the business community sees the value of these resources,” Bayly concluded.

The Auckland Business Chamber will now take on the responsibility for maintaining and developing the platform’s content, ensuring it stays relevant to the needs of today’s business owners.

With mental health awareness becoming more important than ever, this initiative comes as a much-needed lifeline for those navigating the ups and downs of running a business.