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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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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OTHER RECENT NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
BIZ WIRE
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 […]
Manawatū – The future of food
In the heart of the lower North Island, is a small but mighty region batting above its weight on a global scale, poised to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving food narrative. The region’s rich history in food innovation and science, coupled with fertile natural resources, and backed by thriving primary, technology, distribution and logistics sectors, […]
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 […]
Groundbreaking Kiwi AI tech to deter vaping in schools, public spaces
A US investor-backed Auckland company, MACSO, is using artificial intelligence to detect and measure air impurities arising from vaping and cigarette smoke. In trials the technology has already been proven to reduce illicit vaping in one New Zealand middle school. MACSO is partnering with US-based Piera Systems, who has developed a family of ‘intelligent particle […]
Directors’ course highlights importance of board diversity
Entrepreneur and businessperson Wendy Thompson was already an experienced board member when she took the Institute of Director’s Company Directors’ Course (CDC), but she says there was still much to learn. “I thought it would be a great experience and I would meet interesting people,” says Wendy, founder of Thompson Spencer, one of New Zealand’s […]
GEN NZ Unconference for Entrepreneurs, Auckland 14-15 March
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ (GEN NZ) is holding its fifth annual unconference and workshops at GridAKL Futures Lab 14-15 March 2024. The event brings together entrepreneurs from all over New Zealand in a two-day festival of networking and getting sh!t done. At an unconference on 15 March, the attendees set the agenda, and […]
Interview: New Zealand biotech industry update with Dr Zahra Champion and John (“JR”) Robson
Watch/Listen to the Video Interview now: Following a recent story in which New Zealand biotech leaders say our biotech industry is in danger of falling behind after years of under investment, Richard Liew takes a deeper dive with two leading proponents for Kiwi biotechs. He’s joined by Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director at BioTech NZ […]
HOW-TO’S, TIPS, Insights AND ADVICE
Insights
Knowledge Base: Paul Veric, IPromise
Watch now: (13 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Paul Veric, cofounder of payment app IPromise. We tackle the tricky subject of collecting payments from clients, which can be problematic for businesses that incur costs such as labour and materials when delivering their services to customers, but then have to […]
Knowledge Base: Ben Van Rooy, Human Digital
Watch now: (14 MINS) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with marketing expert Ben Van Rooy, founder of Auckland and Sydney based marketing company, Human Digital. We unpack the seemingly overwhelming subject of marketing for business founders, and ask Ben what the three most important things any new business owner should focus […]
Knowledge Base: Leah Harold, Little Biz Online
Watch now: (12.5 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with WordPress expert Leah Harold, owner of WordPress website design and hosting company Little Biz Online. Speaking to Richard from Whangarei, Leah gives the low down on WordPress for founders considering their website and e-commerce platform options. She explains how to set […]
Knowledge Base: Tom Sweeney, Crew Technology recruitment
Watch now: (12min) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Tom Sweeney, cofounder of Crew Technology Recruitment, a recruitment agency based in Dunedin and Christchurch but helping New Zealand businesses source and employ top IT and digital talent nationally. Tom shares key insights for founders looking to hire their first tech team […]
For customer engagement Emotional Value beats Functional Value
There is irrefutable evidence that, even in the age of instant online purchasing, customers who emotionally connect with a business or brand purchase more, stay longer, and provide hundreds of percent more lifetime value. Yet when you look at the way most businesses market themselves, you’d think this was radical, reckless thinking. Despite emotional connection […]
How much bandwidth does your business need?
In today’s digital world, a strong internet connection is the lifeblood of most businesses. With modern technology and digital ways of working available (and constantly evolving), it brings into sharp focus the question – is your internet bandwidth up to the job? Whether you have a cafe that offers free wifi for customers or have […]
Pros and cons of buying your own router
Wifi routers, are a critical piece of equipment when it comes to connecting devices at your office to the Internet. In New Zealand most service providers, (ISPs) give or rent a modem/router for free upon sign-up to a new broadband plan (although some charge for delivery) and some even throw in a wifi mesh system. […]
Key difference between wireless and fibre when it comes performance
There’s a world of choice when it comes to getting a business broadband package that meets the specific connectivity needs of your company. And with over a hundred service providers offering a range of speed, data and package options, it can all get a little overwhelming. A good place to start is to identify the […]
Technology won’t save you if it’s all you’ve got
Don’t let excitement about new tech blind you to what really powers your business. More than 25 years ago, a UK supermarket chain spotted an interesting trend in its customer data: men who bought nappies also bought six-packs of beer. The marketing team drew the conclusion – new dads could no longer justify time off […]
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 […]
Why you shouldn’t wait for media to discover your business (and write about you)
Whether it’s a lack of confidence in our products or business ideas, a fear of ‘seeking the limelight’ or talking about ourselves, a lack of know-how, or just general busy-ness that relegates PR to the bottom of our to-do list, there is no end of reasons why founders put off sharing their stories with the […]
Troubleshooting: Is it your hardware or internet connection?
Your computer is taking ages to upload documents, video calls are constantly freezing mid-meeting and your saves aren’t saving. You’ve tried turning your computer off and on again, and you’ve tried rebooting your router, but the problems still persist. But how can you tell if it’s the internet connection that’s causing trouble, or if it’s […]
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Manawatū – The future of food
In the heart of the lower North Island, is a small but mighty region batting above its weight on a global scale, poised to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving food narrative. The region’s rich history in food innovation and science, coupled with fertile natural resources, and backed by thriving primary, technology, distribution and logistics sectors, […]
GEN NZ Unconference for Entrepreneurs, Auckland 14-15 March
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ (GEN NZ) is holding its fifth annual unconference and workshops at GridAKL Futures Lab 14-15 March 2024. The event brings together entrepreneurs from all over New Zealand in a two-day festival of networking and getting sh!t done. At an unconference on 15 March, the attendees set the agenda, and […]
Entrepreneur Masterclasses take off in Taranaki
A new series of PowerUp Masterclasses, unveiled by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is proving to be a popular initiative for budding Taranaki entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to supercharge their capabilities. As part of the Regional Development Agency’s flagship PowerUp programme, these half-day Masterclasses offer an interactive classroom for participants to enhance their knowledge […]
New Zealand Food Innovation Network
WHO: New Zealand Food Innovation Network WHAT: Startup incubation programmes; Accelerator programmes; Events; Mentoring; Resources HQ: Auckland ESTABLISHED: 2011 INTRODUCTION The New Zealand Food Innovation Network is a Government-supported national network of open-access food and beverage production facilities. We’re here to help innovative, ambitious food businesses develop, scale up and commercialise new products. From research […]
AANZ Runway Event Review by Sarah Diermeier, Amaroq Therapeutics
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. Founder Scholarship recipient Sarah Diermeier attended the AANZ Runway event in Wellington in June 2023. Sarah is the Chief Scientific Officer and founder […]
Mastercard and King Kapisi give Kiwi small businesses royal treatment
New Zealand music royalty King Kapisi has joined forces with Mastercard to celebrate small businesses in Aotearoa that reach the remarkable milestone of being in business for 10 years. This initiative stems from the recognition that there are some life milestones that are so impressive that they deserve a letter from the King – like […]
GEN NZ Entrepreneurship Awards Winners announced
The Global Entrepreneurship Network New Zealand (GEN NZ) recognised the winners of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards last week on Thursday 26 October in a ceremony and celebration at GridAKL. The annual awards recognise New Zealand’s rising entrepreneurs, their ventures, and the ecosystem that supports them. GEN NZ Chair Dave Moskovitz said that the judging was […]
Discover your entrepreneurial spirit at Techstars Startup Weekend Queenstown
Marco Dingemans, General Manager at Startup Queenstown Lakes is inviting local and visiting entrepreneurs to make the most of the next Techstars Startup Weekend. In Queenstown Lakes District, the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than ever. To enhance this force, the Techstars Startup Weekend from 10 – 12 November, Queenstown is the place to be. […]
Nominations are now open for the Aotearoa NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 2023 Awards
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ has announced the opening of nominations for the Aotearoa NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 2023 Awards. The awards aim to recognise New Zealand founders, entrepreneurs, and supporters in our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Categories include Entrepreneur of the year, Social Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur Support Organisation, Māori Entrepreneur, Investor, Academic initiative, Youth programme, Intrapreneur, […]
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 […]