Entrepreneur Groups, Events & Awards
Business building is a team effort.
For those of us thinking beyond self employment, entrepreneurship is a team game. Not only do we need the right people “on the bus”, we also need the right people to supply our bus with the fuel it needs, and to help connect us into the markets we want to serve.
While founders are generally positive people by nature, we need to surround ourselves with people we can look up to for inspiration, who can encourage us when times get tough, and yes… help us stay honest with ourselves.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of entrepreneur groups, networks and associations bursting with people just like you. Take a look at what they can offer and begin surrounding yourself with like minded people today.
Featured
Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC)
WHO: Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC)WHAT: ENTREPRENEUR LEARNING & MENTORING; INNOVATION HUB & CoworkingHQ: AucklandESTABLISHED: 2016 INTRODUCTION Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC) is a not-for-profit organization based in Auckland, New Zealand working towards empowerment through inspiring, educating, and entrepreneurial leadership. WEC’s process in entrepreneurship and leadership involves awareness programs, training, skills development, mentoring, business incubation, information sharing, […]
Startup Taranaki
Who: Startup Taranaki What: Learning & Mentoring; Groups & Events HQ: Taranaki INTRODUCTION Startup Taranaki provides community, resources and wayfinding to people in Taranaki who want to explore entrepreneurship and social enterprise so that when they are ready to take the next step, they can gather what they need to move forward with confidence and […]
Manawatu Chamber of Commerce
Who: Manawatu Chamber of Commerce What: Entrepreneur Groups & Networking HQ: Palmerston North Established: 1886 INTRODUCTION The Manawatu Chamber of Commerce helps businesses in our region to start up, develop and grow to create economic growth and employment opportunities. WHO DO YOU WORK WITH AND WHAT KEY CHALLENGES DO YOU HELP THEM SOLVE? Manawatu Chamber […]
Bounce
Who: Bounce What: Groups & Networks HQ: New Plymouth Established: 2017 INTRODUCTION Bounce is a monthly breakfast meetup for entrepreneurs in New Plymouth, Taranaki. More than a networking thing, our facilitated sessions cultivate people connection, creative problem solving and contribution among freelancers, entrepreneurs and freethinkers. The focus is on unlocking our collective wisdom. WHO DO […]
Entrepreneur Groups & Meetups
BNZ Connect Nationwide
A Few Quiet Yarns Auckland
Entrepreneurs Unleashed Auckland
GridAKL Events Auckland
Idea Show and Tell Auckland
Lean Coffee Auckland
Sparklab Events Auckland
Startup Grind Auckland Auckland
Young NZ Business Network Auckland
Collider Wellington Wellington
Hackers & Founders Wellington
Netsquared Wellington Wellington
NZ Entrepreneur Club Wellington
Online Entrepreneurs Wellington Wellington
Social Enterprise Wellington Wellington
Startup Garage Wellington Wellington
Startup Grind Wellington Wellington
Te Awe Wellington
Coffee and Jam Christchurch
Ministry of Awesome Christchurch
Startup Christchurch Christchurch
Entrepreneur Coffee Jam Queenstown
Startup Garage Central Lakes Queenstown
FoundX Dunedin
Free & Online Entrepreneur Networks
Innovation Council NZ Nationwide
Entrepreneurs Connect NZ Online
NZ Entrepreneur Mag on Facebook Online
NZ Entrepreneurs Facebook Group Online
Network NZ Online
NZ Tech Startups Ecosystem Facebook Online
Sparklab Facebook Group Online
WE Network Online
Paid Membership Networks
BNI Nationwide
Entrepreneurs Organisation Nationwide
Maori Womens Development Inc Nationwide
Mums Garage Nationwide
Venus Womens Business Network Nationwide
Industry Groups & Associations
AI Forum Nationwide
Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) Nationwide
Fintech NZ Nationwide
NZ Tech Industry Association Nationwide
Sustainable Business Network Nationwide
Global Connections
General Business Support
Business Mentors NZ Nationwide
Business NZ Nationwide
NZ Chambers of Commerce Nationwide
NZ Food Innovation Network Nationwide
Institute of Management of NZ Nationwide
Celebrating entrepreneurial success
Aside from some great rewards for prize winners, attending and taking part in the many annual industry events, awards and showcases can have other positive effects for New Zealand entrepreneurs. Not only do they enable you to stay abreast of what’s happening in your industry, but the process of entering often results in positive learning experiences, valuable connections and helpful PR.
Below you’ll find a list of industry conferences, summits and awards celebrating the pioneering spirit of entrepreneurs and business in New Zealand.

Annual NZ Conferences & Events
New Zealand Entrepreneur Summit
Competitions and Awards
Innovate Palmerston North