Female founders offered acceleration opportunity

National Council of Women CEO Sue McCabe

THE region’s female entrepreneurs are to be given a chance to work with some of New Zealand’s top businesswomen, by applying for the country’s first kick-start programme aimed at fast-tracking women-led companies.

Lightning Lab XX is a free three-month mentorship-driven business acceleration programme focused on taking up to 10 women-led companies to the next level quickly, supported by Callaghan Innovation.

Applications are open until December 18th for diverse teams that have at least one female serving in an executive role on the team, be able to illustrate some form of traction and scalable business model, and some serious passion for your business.

Gisborne Chamber of Commerce president Gavin Murphy said the programme provided a phenomenal opportunity for entrepreneurial businesswomen.

“The Gisborne region is home to many entrepreneurs with ideas that have enormous potential, and the Gisborne Chamber is here to help them achieve that potential.

“As part of this, we share news about some of the most innovative business acceleration programmes around the country. Lightning Lab is the best of the best. Their new programme for female-led companies could transform a local business, and have economic spin-off benefits for the whole region.”

Activate Tairawhiti chief executive Steve Breen said the fact Gisborne entrepreneurs had been invited to apply was “a real demonstration of confidence” in the region.

“It reflects how entrepreneurial our local businesses are.

“The added dimension of better supporting women in business is welcomed, as is the overall approach of the programme in accelerating business growth and performance in the region. It’s great being able to make these opportunities available to our local businesses.”

The region’s business growth officer and Regional Business Partner Jo Emerre saw it as yet more commitment to the region from Callaghan Innovation, which was already working with local businesses in a number of areas.

Seed funding to relocate to WellingtonCallaghan will then provide each team with $20,000 seed funding so they can relocate to Wellington for the three-month programme and immerse themselves in the accelerator, in return for a 6 percent equity stake in those businesses.

Callaghan Innovation programmes group manager Willem van der Steen said the programme was New Zealand’s first female founder accelerator.

“We’re a government agency supporting hi-tech businesses and entrepreneurs in New Zealand. We believe Lightning Lab XX will provide the right environment for female founders to thrive in.

“More women in leadership, governance and founder roles will foster a more diverse and productive entrepreneurial ecosystem within New Zealand.

“We hope Lightning Lab XX attracts applications from all over New Zealand, including Gisborne, creating a more productive entrepreneurial environment for the whole country.”

National Council of Women New Zealand chief executive Sue McCabe also welcomed the programme.

“There is a dichotomy between the research that clearly shows the financial benefits of diversity, and the lack of women in start-ups and more widely in business.

“The programme will not only give the participating female-led enterprises a kick start — but they in turn will provide inspiration to other women with innovative ideas. It’s a practical and exciting step towards improved entrepreneurial diversity within New Zealand.”