“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” – African proverb

groups and networks 800 x 450

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

Womens Entrepreneurship Center (WEC)

Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC)

#nzentrepreneur

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, […]

Kea

Kea New Zealand

#nzentrepreneur

Who: Kea New Zealand What: Mentoring, Entrepreneur Groups HQ: Auckland INTRODUCTION Founded in 2001, Kea nurtures a diverse and vibrant community of Kiwi and friends of New Zealand, who share a strong passion for New Zealand and the success of its people and businesses with operations in Auckland, London, New York and Beijing. Kea Connect […]

Startup Taranaki

Startup Taranaki

#nzentrepreneur

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

Manawatu Chamber of Commerce

#nzentrepreneur

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 new plymouth

Bounce

#nzentrepreneur

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


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

Kea New Zealand

Wharf42

Kiwi Landing Pad


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

Subscribe Free!

Get entrepreneur articles by email and join our community of 5000+ founders and investors.

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.

entrepreneur events
Hannah Eastvold-Evans (L) and Dr Hong Sheng Chiong (R) with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak at the 2016 Talent Unleashed Awards.

Annual NZ Conferences & Events

AI Day

Central Districts Field Days

CIO Summit

Festival For the Future

Fieldays

Gov Hack NZ

Morgo

MUV Talks

New Zealand Entrepreneur Summit

Techweek

TEDx Events NZ

The Project

Singularity U


Competitions and Awards

Innovate Palmerston North

Deloitte Fast 50

EY Entrepreneur of the Year

Maori Business Women Awards

New Zealander of the Year

NZ Hi-Tech Awards

NZ Innovation Awards

Sustainable Business Network Awards

Talent Unleashed Awards

The David Awards

World Class New Zealand Awards