Launched in November of 2005, this exciting web-based business assessment tool named the ‘South Waikato Enterprise Evaluation Tool’ (SWEET) is being utilized to look at businesses and their understanding of developmental mechanisms.

Since the launch of the business tool (developed by QLBS.com Ltd) in November 2005, more than thirty South Waikato businesses have made the most of assessing and evaluating the critical areas of small business and are taking actions to improve their bottom line.

The South Waikato Economic Development Trust (operating from the Business Development Centre in Tokoroa) adopted this web-based assessment tool to obtain a clear, objective picture of the state of business through-out the district and as an aid to target training and development needs, to further business excellence awards and to provide a benchmarking tool for both businesses and the Trust. The QLBS.com database includes both national and international businesses.

SWEET gives businesses access to specific and valuable information about their own businesses and instantly helps them put issues into perspective. It is also an excellent tool for evaluating business ideas at concept stage or start-up.

In a recent report of the results collected, the “Q-Fit Mini” tool caught a third of businesses falling below the critical score (a mark that identifies areas of greatest risk). This data allows the Business Development Centre to follow up with more meaningful facilitation, mentoring and training.

The assessment also highlights areas of strength which leads to companies who can support others in their industry sector via networking meetings or one to one support.