Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
Framework Doors
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: Nick Kelly Business: Framework Doors Founded: 2024 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? Framework is a steel door and window company, specialising in design-led security solutions. […]
Knowledge Base
Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
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RECENTly ON NZ ENTREPRENEUR
Knowledge Base: The relevance of selling for business owners with Mary Crampton, Magnify Consulting
Watch now: (16 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks about selling and the relevance of selling for business owners with Mary Crampton, founder and Principal Consultant at Magnify Consulting. They unpack some of the key questions new business owners often have about selling including whether or not it’s something that business […]
Slow burn innovation: How Under the Hood BBQ turned smoke into gold
It’s a story of grit, clever thinking, innovative use of digital technology – and a whole lot of charcoal. A decade ago, Under the Hood BBQ was just an idea that sparked from a deep passion for “low and slow” barbecue cooking felt by husband-and-wife duo Dave and Michelle King, expressed through an Instagram page. […]
Orderlink
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 Founders: Nar Singh and Braedyn Mackay Business: Orderlink Founded: 2023 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? At Orderlink we have developed a software platform that is designed […]
Export market approach bears fruit for Nelson-based kids snack business
As a busy working mum, Bonnie Slade wanted quick pre-packaged snacks for her kids that weren’t loaded with rubbish. When she realised the options were limited, she decided to create her own. The result was NaturKidz – an award-winning line of freeze-dried snacks made from New Zealand fruit, which is also now a flourishing business. […]
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BIZ WIRE
Slow burn innovation: How Under the Hood BBQ turned smoke into gold
It’s a story of grit, clever thinking, innovative use of digital technology – and a whole lot of charcoal. A decade ago, Under the Hood BBQ was just an idea that sparked from a deep passion for “low and slow” barbecue cooking felt by husband-and-wife duo Dave and Michelle King, expressed through an Instagram page. […]
Export market approach bears fruit for Nelson-based kids snack business
As a busy working mum, Bonnie Slade wanted quick pre-packaged snacks for her kids that weren’t loaded with rubbish. When she realised the options were limited, she decided to create her own. The result was NaturKidz – an award-winning line of freeze-dried snacks made from New Zealand fruit, which is also now a flourishing business. […]
New Zealand businesses thriving on the global stage
Despite economic challenges, New Zealand businesses are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation, successfully competing on the global stage. A recent survey from New Zealand and Australian payments provider Pin Payments revealed that 65 percent of NZ businesses are concerned about the economy, while 75 percent say their business has been negatively impacted by inflation. These […]
Interview: Max Burt, One Plus One Group
Watch/Listen to the Interview: Here Richard Liew talks with Max Burt, General Manager at Auckland based public relations consultancy firm OnePlusOne Group. In the interview Max shares key PR tips and insights for business owners, drawing on OnePlusOne Groups ten years in practice. Supporter Spotlight: Offers and services from NZ Entrepreneur supporters!
PowerUp Business Ready Q&A – A catalyst for entrepreneurial success in Taranaki
The PowerUp Business Ready programme, an initiative from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki has officially wrapped up for a second year, taking sixteen budding entrepreneurs through a comprehensive eight-week programme. Designed to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Taranaki, the programme equips early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to validate their big […]
10 reasons why your sales pipeline isn’t delivering consistent sales
Has your sales pipeline slowed and you want to increase revenue? Even in a tight market, there are ways to grow a healthy pipeline that delivers consistent sales revenue – just like your sales pipeline should! If you’re wondering what to do to unblock your sales pipeline and get your sales revenue flowing, this check-list […]
Ecobaits set to change the world of fishing and Ocean Care
A Whangaparaoa entrepreneur has created new eco-friendly bait products using biodegradable ingredients that stays on a fishhook for longer than other baits, enabling more fish to be caught more cheaply, and giving anglers ‘real value for money’. Ecobaits company director John Baanders, a long time keen fisherman and retired graphic designer, works out of his […]
Opinion: What 90-day trials mean for small business owners
The current government made pre-election promises to extend the 90-day trial period for all businesses, no matter the size. And they moved quickly to get this across the line in December last year. This bill was heavily endorsed by both National and ACT, as part of the coalition agreement and the government’s 100-day plan. Given […]
Afirmo fees freeze to relieve small business financial pain
In a significant move to support New Zealand’s small business operators facing unprecedented financial pressures, Kiwi Fintech SaaS tax and accounting software specialist Afirmo has announced a pricing freeze in their fees for 2024. The decision comes as a lifeline for many small business owners who are struggling to stay afloat amid rising management costs […]
Why business prenups (aka Shareholders’ Agreements) are essential
You’ve got a brilliant idea, set up your company, and you and your partners are ready to go! You’ve each got a shareholding, you’re super aligned, and nothing could possibly go wrong… But have you actually talked about what happens if, in 6 months, the business needs quite a bit more cash? Or if one […]
AANZ brings “Perfect Entrepreneur” back to Aotearoa to share insights
A New Zealand educated scientist turned entrepreneur Dr Privahini (Priv) Bradoo, Cofounder and CEO of US AI startup Plank, returned to New Zealand from the US earlier this year to connect with early-stage investors at multiple Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ) events. The AANZ with support from New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) hosted Bradoo […]
Why growing online marketplace Buy Kiwi wants to keep e-commerce local
A 100 per cent Kiwi owned online e-commerce marketplace is encouraging New Zealanders to support Kiwi-owned businesses and keep hard-earned dollars in New Zealand. Buy Kiwi hopes to capture 0.5 per cent of the fast-growing e-commerce online market – $29m a year – before 2027. Buy Kiwi, based in Parnell, Auckland, supports only New Zealand […]
HOW-TO’S, TIPS, Insights AND ADVICE
Insights
Knowledge Base: The relevance of selling for business owners with Mary Crampton, Magnify Consulting
Watch now: (16 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks about selling and the relevance of selling for business owners with Mary Crampton, founder and Principal Consultant at Magnify Consulting. They unpack some of the key questions new business owners often have about selling including whether or not it’s something that business […]
10 reasons why your sales pipeline isn’t delivering consistent sales
Has your sales pipeline slowed and you want to increase revenue? Even in a tight market, there are ways to grow a healthy pipeline that delivers consistent sales revenue – just like your sales pipeline should! If you’re wondering what to do to unblock your sales pipeline and get your sales revenue flowing, this check-list […]
Opinion: What 90-day trials mean for small business owners
The current government made pre-election promises to extend the 90-day trial period for all businesses, no matter the size. And they moved quickly to get this across the line in December last year. This bill was heavily endorsed by both National and ACT, as part of the coalition agreement and the government’s 100-day plan. Given […]
Why business prenups (aka Shareholders’ Agreements) are essential
You’ve got a brilliant idea, set up your company, and you and your partners are ready to go! You’ve each got a shareholding, you’re super aligned, and nothing could possibly go wrong… But have you actually talked about what happens if, in 6 months, the business needs quite a bit more cash? Or if one […]
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. […]
Knowledge Base: Angel funding insights with Bridget Unsworth, Angel Association New Zealand
Watch now: (20 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Bridget Unsworth, Executive Director of Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ). If you are building an innovative startup and need funding, tune into this informative discussion where Bridget provides an overview of angel investment funding in New Zealand and plenty of tips […]
Sales Strategy for the new financial year – Three key things every business owner must do
With the new financial year beginning on April 1st, it is a critical time to lay the foundations for your sales success in the year ahead. Here are three key things you can do at the start of a new financial year to get your sales rolling. 1. TAKE THE BEST FROM LAST YEAR AND […]
Five tips for small businesses looking to flourish during the holiday season
These past few years have tested the mettle of entrepreneurs like never before. Yet, here you are. So first and foremost, congratulations for making it this far, it is a true testament to your perseverance and dedication. And although times are still undoubtedly tough, we are seeing a turn for the better in business. With […]
Knowledge Base: Get contracts and legal docs right with Natalie Fennell and Claire Bodle, On Your Terms
Watch now: (14 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Natalie Fennell and Claire Bodle, lawyers and cofounders of legal documents company “On Your Terms“. Natalie and Claire explain how they are using smart tech to bring down the cost of common business legal documents for New Zealand business owners, as […]
Knowledge Base: Social media strategy with Brent Ireland, Collab Digital
Watch now: (17 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Brent Ireland, CEO of social media and content experts Collab Digital. In 2023, business social media platform LinkedIn celebrated its 20th birthday signifying at least two decades since social media has been available for businesses to use as part of their […]
Knowledge Base: Business structure insights with Robert Rolls
Watch now: (13 Mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Robert Rolls, CEO and founder of business setup and scaleup app, Afirmo. If you’re new to business tune into this illuminating conversation about the business setup process in New Zealand. From choosing between operating as a sole trader, partnership or company; […]
How to create a 1M+ views Instagram Reel for your startup
Matt Miller, founder of BrakeAce, made a Reel for his startup that got 1M+ views in ten days. He shares his learnings for startup founders here. 1. Making a dope Reel was a good investment of time Between recording, editing and publishing I only spent one hour. There was time to develop the vision of […]
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New Zealand businesses thriving on the global stage
Despite economic challenges, New Zealand businesses are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation, successfully competing on the global stage. A recent survey from New Zealand and Australian payments provider Pin Payments revealed that 65 percent of NZ businesses are concerned about the economy, while 75 percent say their business has been negatively impacted by inflation. These […]
PowerUp Business Ready Q&A – A catalyst for entrepreneurial success in Taranaki
The PowerUp Business Ready programme, an initiative from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki has officially wrapped up for a second year, taking sixteen budding entrepreneurs through a comprehensive eight-week programme. Designed to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Taranaki, the programme equips early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to validate their big […]
AANZ brings “Perfect Entrepreneur” back to Aotearoa to share insights
A New Zealand educated scientist turned entrepreneur Dr Privahini (Priv) Bradoo, Cofounder and CEO of US AI startup Plank, returned to New Zealand from the US earlier this year to connect with early-stage investors at multiple Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ) events. The AANZ with support from New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) hosted Bradoo […]
PowerUp Podcast Season Four – Trailblazing Taranaki tales unwrapped
Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki has released the final three episodes of its PowerUp Podcast, Season Four, hosted by business advocate and CEO of NZ Story, David Downs. Each episode of the PowerUp Podcast features a prominent Taranaki entrepreneur who is making waves with their trailblazing spirit and innovative approach. Through candid conversations they share […]
Manawatū businesses to benefit from partnership between CEDA and ManawaTech
Businesses in the Manawatū will benefit from a new partnership between CEDA and ManawaTech as they support the Summer of Tech programme in 2024. With an aim to increase the number of recent tech graduates moving to the region, they will cover the Summer of Tech registration fee for participating businesses as well as co-funding […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
PowerUp Podcast returns for season four
The PowerUp Podcast from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is back with the release of the first three episodes in the latest six-part series that celebrates trailblazing Taranaki entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaving their mark on the world. Season four promises a diverse line-up of driven founders who are achieving amazing things across a […]
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 […]