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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ThincLab

April 21, 2021 #nzentrepreneur

Who: ThincLab What: Learning & Mentoring; Innovation Hub & Coworking HQ: Christchurch INTRODUCTION ThincLab is Christchurch’s founder led incubator providing practical support for growth stage ventures and commercialisation of research, science and technology. ThincLab engages with entrepreneurs both within the University of Canterbury and the wider community. WHO DO YOU WORK WITH AND WHAT KEY […]

Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured Supporter Content Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington School of Business and Government

March 9, 2020 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Wellington School of Business and Government at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington What: University HQ: Wellington INTRODUCTION Innovation is at the heart of Wellington School of Business and Government. We encourage research into innovation and entrepreneurship, lead the way in innovative and interactive teaching and learning, and support student enterprise. The Business School […]

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Northland Inc

August 9, 2018 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Northland Inc What: Economic Development Agency; Startup Incubation; Mentoring; Events; Coworking HQ: Whangarei INTRODUCTION Northland Inc is the Northland’s economic development agency, and incorporates the Regional Tourism Office. Business innovation and growth is one Northland Inc’s five workstreams, and startup incubation and acceleration fall under that remit. The Tai Tokerau Early Stage Programme helps […]

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Ākina

August 1, 2018 #nzentrepreneur

Who: The Ākina Foundation What: Social Innovation Hub HQ: Wellington Established: 2008 Introduction At Ākina, we believe that social entrepreneurs and social enterprise are key to building an economy that regenerates the environment and creates social foundations for our people and communities to thrive. Our vision is for a sustainable, prosperous, inclusive New Zealand and […]

Ecosystem StartUp NZ Featured Supporter Content Young Enterprise Trust

Young Enterprise Trust

August 1, 2018 #nzentrepreneur

Who: Young Enterprise Trust What: Student Programme HQ: Wellington Established: 1981 INTRODUCTION Young Enterprise is a charity that works with NZ youth in primary and secondary schools, to give them their first taste of business and teach them how to manage their money well. Determining and focusing on the types of skills and knowledge young […]

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WNT Ventures

August 1, 2018 #nzentrepreneur

Who: WNT Ventures What: Startup Incubator HQ: Tauranga Established: 2014 INTRODUCTION With two investment funds, WNT Ventures is a deep tech investor providing the investment capital and the support that pre-revenue, innovative technologies and companies need to grow into successful businesses. WHO DO YOU WORK WITH AND WHAT KEY CHALLENGES DO YOU HELP THEM SOLVE? […]

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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.