Entrepreneur Learning & Mentoring

“Life’s too short to learn from your own mistakes. So learn from others” – Unknown

Expand your mind. Build your knowledge.

As entrepreneurs, it’s important that we do not let not knowing how to do something, hold us back. Part of our job description is stepping into the unknown so embracing an attitude of lifelong learning, and seeking and absorbing the knowledge required to achieve our goals is key.

Whether you’re a student, a first time business builder, or a seasoned entrepreneur, there are numerous organisations, programmes, workshops and competitions available to prepare you for the road ahead and bring your business to life.

Many are low cost, or no cost, and are a great way to learn more about building businesses and modern startup methodology.

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Ecosystem Manawatu Partner Content Sprout StartUp NZ Featured

Sprout

November 24, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Sprout What: Accelerator & Investment HQ: Palmerston North INTRODUCTION Sprout builds agtech and foodtech entrepreneurs and companies, by allowing them to break new ground through our Accelerator and Investment offerings. WHO DO YOU WORK WITH AND WHAT KEY CHALLENGES DO YOU HELP THEM SOLVE? 1) New Zealanders who are in the process of researching […]

Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured

Kea New Zealand

October 5, 2021 #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 […]

Ecosystem Nelson-Tasman StartUp NZ Featured

Mahitahi Colab

September 8, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Mahitahi Colab What: Learning & Mentoring, Coworking HQ: Nelson INTRODUCTION The Mahitahi Colab’s purpose is to build a more connected business and innovation community, by creating stronger links between clever business, investors, researchers, business development providers, Government and the education sector. We do this by offering flexible co working space, hosting business and community […]

Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured

University of Canterbury – Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE)

May 25, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: University of Canterbury – Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) What: Entrepreneurship Programmes HQ: Christchurch INTRODUCTION UC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) provides both students and founders with opportunities to build capabilities in entrepreneurship and innovation. UCE’s community of students, researchers, founders, mentors, and industry experts and advisors fosters innovation and creativity in a supportive environment. We […]

Auckland Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured

The Icehouse

May 20, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: The Icehouse What: Innovation Hub & Coworking; Learning & Mentoring HQ: Auckland INTRODUCTION The Icehouse believes in the extraordinary potential of New Zealand business owners and entrepreneurs. We enable their success through knowledge, connection and investment. THE ICEHOUSE SERVICES Overview: Capability building programmes for Kiwi business owners Mentoring, coaching and advisory services (one-to-one) Coworking […]

Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured

Icehouse Ventures

April 30, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Icehouse Ventures What: Funding & Investment HQ: Auckland INTRODUCTION Icehouse Ventures is a venture capital firm that backs brave kiwi founders with unique insights building global companies. We invest as early as the idea stage through to series A and beyond. We invest in a range of industries from space planes changing the way […]

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Startup incubators and accelerator programmes in New Zealand

Startup incubators and accelerator programmes play a vital role in startup ecosystems throughout the world and it’s no different here in New Zealand.

New Zealand has numerous incubators and accelerators, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs every year to identify and validate market opportunities, plan and build out their products and teams, and get “investment ready”.

Some programmes are delivered by organisations dedicated to startup business incubation and acceleration, while others are delivered by organisations (such as Regional Economic Development Agencies) as part of a broader range of services.

While some are focused on helping founders with business ideas (“Founder Incubators”), others may be focused on specific verticals or commercialising emerging technologies and scientific research (“Tech Incubators”).

As the name implies, incubators are generally focused on helping entrepreneurs in the very early stages of business formation – often before a product or service has even been created. Market validation and business model development are a key focus, and the startup is often provided with space in a dedicated shared workspace, with easy access to the incubators mentors and business support services, and allowing the startup to stay focused on the iterative process of product development and market fit.

Startup accelerators tend to be short, fixed term sprints of no more than 3-6 months focused on helping existing teams with potential to scale up, and may not require participant businesses to work onsite.

In addition to business development assistance, incubators and accelerators may invest seed money into participant companies in return for a share of the company, and programmes generally end with investment pitches to angel investors when the startup is considered investment ready.

Incubators and accelerators can be invaluable for entrepreneurs, allowing them to access years of entrepreneurial experience, knowledge, connections and investment they may otherwise not enjoy, and fast-track their development. If you have a business idea and are not sure what to do next, most incubators offer drop-in sessions and are happy to chat with you.