Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
Time to start your first real R&D project? Apply for up to $400,000 in co-funding
Callaghan Innovation’s New to R&D Grant was created to support entrepreneurs at the start of their innovation journey. Those entrepreneurs have formed a business around their exciting new idea or concept, are looking for some initial research and development (R&D) funding and would benefit from starting their own in-house R&D programme. The grant comes in […]
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Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
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RECENTly ON NZ ENTREPRENEUR
Drip Waterproof Socks
In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder: Paul McKernan Business: Drip Waterproof Socks Founded: 2023 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? We have designed a waterproof sock for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers, […]
Māori and Pasifika young entrepreneurs navigate 36-hour Business Challenge
Forty-five exceptional rangatahi Māori and Pasifika young minds from high schools across Aotearoa were united in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland last week to attend the entrepreneurial education programme, ‘Young Navigators,’ by Young Enterprise Trust. The initiative, sponsored by One NZ, alongside Pacific Business Trust, and New Zealand Māori Tourism, is designed to immerse Māori and Pasifika […]
Squarespace website and ecommerce builder platform
Squarespace is a popular website building and hosting service that allows individuals and businesses to create professional-looking websites and e-commerce stores without needing extensive technical expertise. It provides a user-friendly interface with an intuitive “drag and drop” editor, and a variety of professionally designed templates that users can customise to create their own unique websites. […]
We’re Hiring! Could you be our new Media Lead?
Come Grow With Us! About Us Since 2012 NZ Entrepreneur has been inspiring, educating and informing thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners throughout New Zealand, every month. We are passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in the world, and sharing their stories. We are looking for a new team member to support […]
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OTHER RECENT NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
BIZ WIRE
Kiwi data storage startup Nexustorage helping businesses unlock the power of their data
An intelligent Kapiti-based Kiwi data storage startup is combining the reliable functionality of traditional storage technology, with modern cloud capabilities. And this, says Glen Olsen, founder of Nexustorage and creator of Nexfs, is what makes it truly unique. Olsen knows that data isn’t the most interesting thing in the world. But he says the trick […]
Hiringa Energy to address climate change by taking clean, green hydrogen fuel to the world
A group of energy professionals based in New Plymouth is building one of the world’s first green hydrogen refuelling networks, designed principally to refuel trucks in the heavy transport sector. Hiringa Energy was created in 2017 to enable large-scale decarbonisation in a commercially sustainable way, motivated by a desire to address climate change. It will […]
On Your Terms bridging tech and personalised service to bring down business legal costs
While we ponder if AI is the way forward or the path to doomsday, Kiwi legal tech startup On Your Terms has found a way to combine the best of tech with the expertise of a personal legal service, at a fraction of the price. AI has its limitations, and when it comes to legal […]
Founder Q&A: DietDecoder
Business: DietDecoder Team: Cynthia Northcote (Director) and Emily House (CTO) HQ: New Plymouth What products, services, solutions or technology have you developed? We are what we eat and the same goes for our livestock. Developed in the lush countryside of eastern Taranaki, DietDecoder is the result of 25 years of on-farm experience in improving animal […]
Afirmo app aims to be first stop for Kiwi businesses
Afirmo, an innovative, cohesive Software as a service (SaaS) app, is making small business ownership and success more attainable for thousands of people in New Zealand, regardless of business background and skill set. The software is a one-stop-support-shop for small businesses, offering tools and assistance to give the best possible start to people venturing into […]
Kernohan Engineering’s bioreactors to assist NZs productive export capacity
Nelson-based Kernohan Engineering is about to produce bioreactors that will increase New Zealand’s productive export capacity by enabling large scale fermentation of proteins and novel ingredients. The company plans to have a purpose-built manufacturing plant employing 600 people to manufacture bioreactors at scale, with the goal of creating a $50m export business by 2030. Currently, […]
Meet the only commercial cranberry farm in New Zealand
Cranberries Westland – the only commercial cranberry farm in New Zealand – is reaching new ground, having increased harvest six-fold over the last six years and is projecting to expand further into unchartered territories and markets. Cranberries are a superfruit native to North America and while the West Coast of New Zealand has a very […]
Founder Q&A: COCOSHAKIM
Business: COCOSHAKIM Founder: Jesse Gibson HQ: South Auckland What products, services, solutions or technology have you developed? I provide video production services using a quick turnaround model I’ve developed as a micro parallel to the film industry production cycle. This model utilises mandatory physical fitness as a means of maintaining job readiness and streamlining the […]
BioOra, the Kiwi biotech leading the fight in immune cell cancer therapy
A pioneering New Zealand medical innovator, BioOra, is to embark on a capital raise to accelerate its groundbreaking automated platform that reprograms blood cells to fight cancer. The therapy is truly personalised where BioOra uses a patient’s own immune cells (T-cells) and reprograms them in the laboratory to directly identify and kill cancer cells once […]
CarbonZ helping more New Zealand businesses to take meaningful climate action
Finn Ross describes himself as a passionate kiwi naturalist, climate activist and adventurer. And while his studies and work have taken him all over the world, home is where his heart is, which led him to found CarbonZ – a company that enables businesses to buy traceable and native New Zealand carbon removal credits. Asked […]
Paparoa Environmental Services on track for sustainable public access to the great New Zealand outdoors
The great outdoors is one of New Zealand’s greatest assets. But without safe and well-established access, there are many parts of our beautiful bush and coastline that we wouldn’t be able to explore. Which is where Mike Osborne, and his recently established business Paparoa Environmental Services, makes his mark – all in the name of […]
Jooules on a mission to produce sustainable future food, with tech that ‘eats’ carbon dioxide
With climate change taking centre stage for many new innovations over the last decade, biotech startup Jooules is focusing on where they feel they can make the most difference – the food sector. More specifically, Jooules is looking to produce animal-equivalent proteins, without the need for any animal’s involvement, resulting in the production of protein […]
HOW-TO’S, TIPS, Insights AND ADVICE
Insights
Spirit of innovation demonstrated in land transport sector
A number of startups and entrepreneurial initiatives working to address challenges in the transport sector have been approved for funding in round one of the Waka Kotahi Hoe ki angitū- Innovation Fund, with a second round of challenges now announced. The $15 million fund, which was launched in June to accelerate innovative transport projects, attracted […]
NZ Universities are spinning out market-ready ventures – what investors should know
Investors looking for the Next Big Thing are often drawn to universities. Afterall, some of the world’s most exciting and influential companies have started on campuses (think BioNTech and Google). Universities attract smart people who want to change the world and give them the support they need to make it happen. They equip academics with […]
The Factory helping food and fibre businesses raise capital
Raising capital isn’t a skill that comes naturally to many young food and fibre businesses but a new initiative is looking to increase capability among the sector to support growth and expansion. We understand the seasonality of the food and fibre sector creates unique challenges for young businesses trying to grow and there are sufficient […]
Interview: Tim Crown, Blackpearl Group and Insight Enterprises
Richard Liew talks to Tim Crown, Chair at Blackpearl Group (NZX: BPG) and Chair and Cofounder at NASDAQ listed Insight Enterprises (NASDAQ: NSIT) about Blackpearl’s recent listing on the NZX, and Insight Enterprises journey from a $USD2000 startup to $USD10B in annual revenues. Wellington born technology company Blackpearl Group listed on the NZX Main Board […]
11 tips for reducing costs in small business
With inflation reaching a 30-year high, small businesses across the country will be looking for ways to reduce costs amid cost of living and rising price pressures. According to the latest MYOB SME Snapshot, a survey of over 500 local SME operators around New Zealand, most believe the economy will decline in the next year, […]
You’ve got a great business idea so why won’t it catch on?
How do you create that spark that gets customers and investors truly excited about your business? It can be one of the biggest frustrations for startups. You know your business idea has real value and potential, but you’re struggling to get traction with customers and investors. No matter how much you re-work your pitch document, […]
Online education initiative launches to build NZ “grassroots” entrepreneur pipeline
An initiative to help Kiwis gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their business and social enterprise building dreams kicks off today, the first iteration of what is set to become an annual campaign to help build Aotearoa New Zealand’s entrepreneurial capital. Dubbed “Startup Spring” the campaign organised by online magazine, NZ Entrepreneur, will see […]
SME&E Festival Podcast: Tim Jones, What is B Corp and why is it a good idea for your business?
Got your tickets to the 2022 NZ SME&E Festival this 8th and 9th of November? Each week we’ll be sharing a podcast from some of the many great business speakers and mentors you can catch at the festival. What is B Corp and why is it a good idea for your business? In this episode […]
Food and fibre capital raising programme launched
Planning for and securing capital for small-medium sized (SMEs) food and fibre businesses just got easier with the launch of Investment Ready – a twelve-week capital-raising preparation programme offering one-to-one and group capability building sessions. Investment Ready is designed to equip food and fibre businesses with the tools to prepare for and successfully raise investment […]
SME&E Festival Podcast: David Remmerswaal, Search Engine Optimisation for beginners
Got your tickets to the 2022 NZ SME&E Festival this 8th and 9th of November? Each week we’ll be sharing a podcast from some of the many great business speakers and mentors you can catch at the festival. Search Engine Optimisation for beginners In this episode of the SME&E Festival Podcast, festival organiser Craig Murray […]
Top tips to protect your small business against a cyber attack
As the adoption of digital tools has become increasingly more important for doing business, it’s crucial that business owners know how to protect themselves and their operations against cyber-attacks, says MYOB’s Head of Information and Cyber Security, Peter Wolski. COVID-19 increased the urgency for many businesses – particularly SMEs – to adopt digital tools. The […]
SME&E Festival Podcast: Sarah Colcord, How to create a Facebook Group with over 500 thousand members
Got your tickets to the 2022 NZ SME&E Festival this 8th and 9th of November? Each week we’ll be sharing a podcast from some of the many great business speakers and mentors you can catch at the festival. How to create a Facebook Group with over 500 thousand members In this episode of the SME&E […]
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Interview: Eric Thompson, School of Design Innovation, Whitecliff
Richard Liew talks with Eric Thompson, Head of the School of Design Innovation at Whitecliffe, about their new “low residence” masters degree being offered for entrepreneurs in New Zealand. A range of entrepreneur topics are discussed including Kiwis’ attitude to failure, passion and critical thinking. WATCH NOW: Supporter Spotlight: Offers and services from NZ Entrepreneur […]
New master’s degree unique springboard for aspiring entrepreneurs
Whitecliffe’s new Master of Creative Enterprise and Innovation is New Zealand’s first ever non-disciplinary MCEI. Not only is it highly innovative and unlike anything else on offer either side of the Tasman, but it has the golden stamp of approval from some of the world’s most visionary movers and shakers. Co-designed with industry, the revolutionary […]
Budding entrepreneurs receive a head start with startup education scholarships
A new batch of enterprising New Zealanders are being given the opportunity to fast track their ventures from idea through to startup, thanks to an online education initiative backed by Callaghan Innovation and entrepreneur education platform Startup NZ. The initiative invites New Zealanders with “scalable and high growth” business or social enterprise ideas to apply […]
NZ rises to #20 in Emerging Startup Ecosystem global ranking: Oceania sees highest early-stage funding in the world
The 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) was released at The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam by Startup Genome and Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). It shows seven Asia-Pacific ecosystems in the top 30 ranking – with New Zealand making it to the Top 20 for the first time. New Zealand shot up in the Emerging […]
Investment Ready looks to grow Kiwi food and fibre innovators
Ambitious food and fibre businesses with proven products seeking to expand their operations are being invited to apply for Investment Ready, a programme by The Factory and the Ministry for Primary Industries. The programme takes successful applicants through an intensive and comprehensive 12-week programme, preparing them for the next phase of growth and investment with […]
PowerUp Podcast Season Three: Highlighting remarkable Taranaki entrepreneurs
Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki has now released the final three episodes of PowerUp Podcast, Season Three, hosted by long time business advocate David Downs. Over the six-part series, we have heard valuable insights and practical advice from trailblazing Taranaki enterprise owners who are leading in their fields. While all six guests have unique stories, they […]
AANZ Runway Event Review by Eldon Tate, Inhibit Coatings
Runway is one of the signature events on the Angel Association NZ calendar and provides founders with the opportunity to network and meet with other investors and founders from around the country. BNZ Founder Scholarship recipient Eldon Tate attended the AANZ Runway event in Auckland in March. Eldon is the co-founder of Inhibit Coatings, an […]
PowerUp Podcast returns for season three
Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki’s PowerUp podcast is back with the release of the first three episodes of the latest six-part series that celebrates the prominent Taranaki entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaving their mark on the world. As the Regional Development Agency, Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki is powering up the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki so […]
Creative HQ
WHO: Creative HQ WHAT: Startup Incubator; Accelerator; Mentoring; Seed and angel investment; Coworking/shared workspace HQ: Wellington ESTABLISHED: 2003 INTRODUCTION At Creative HQ, we help ideas take flight. We support startups and scale-ups through our Incubator, Accelerator programmes and founder workshops. Our programmes bring discipline to startup life. We help you to reimagine and invent your […]
FEATURED AND FAVES
SPOTLIGHT
Why our small businesses are a BIG deal
In the entrepreneur world we hear a lot of talk about entrepreneurs and businesses needing to be “global from day one”. Investors and business commentators lament our lack of large global businesses and say the “three-B” (bach, ‘Beemer’ and boat) mentality of Kiwi business owners is holding us back. In this regard small businesses are often […]
Editorial: We owe a duty of care to founder mental health and it requires a collaborative solution
I didn’t know Jake Millar, save for a few emails swapped with our editor when he was just getting started with Unfiltered. As for so many others though, the news of his death by suicide last year still came as a shock and with a deep sense of sadness. Sadness for the loss of a […]
Why every Kiwi should back or build a startup
Not all of us are built to be founders but we can all find a way to back ambitious, world-changing businesses; whether it’s buying their products, using their services, promoting them, encouraging and supporting them or investing in them. Certainly, backing and building startups will do a whole lot more for our future and our […]
What Government funding is available for startups in NZ?
One of the questions we’re often asked is, “What Government funding is available for startups in New Zealand?” Like so many questions in life, the answer is, “It depends.” So you’ve come up with a great business idea. You know exactly what problem you want to solve, and how you’re going to solve it. And […]
Start-up or startup? And what exactly is one anyway?!
If you’ve ever thought that “startup” was simply another name for a new small business, you’d be right. But, you’d also be wrong. Richard Liew explains. The Spring blossoms are out in force here in Wanaka and if ever there was a season that represented the promise, the energy, and oh-so tantalising potential of the startup […]
5 questions every entrepreneur should ask when people offer advice
When you know nothing, even fools can sound like geniuses. This is a vital lesson that all entrepreneurs need to learn as soon as possible – one that I and other entrepreneurs I know have had to learn the hard way, many times over. When you first start out in entrepreneurship – by this I […]