B360 uses micro-enterprise as a vehicle to create and mobilise socio-economic impact by, for and with the community.
“B360 delivers responsive education that accelerates and incubates economic empowerment for those whose systemic and social barriers mean it would take a lot longer on their own,” Renee Wikaire said.
“Our process weaves together healing strategies with practical tools and connects graduates to further opportunity.
“It means we can simultaneously work to heal trauma of those who are disempowered, marginalised or dispossessed, with tangible economically-driven solutions.
“Starting here is about accepting that while some people can achieve alone, others need support,” Ms Wikaire said.
A launch event last Friday night, emceed by MP Meka Whaitiri, introduced the B360 initiative. A documentary film premiered at the launch showed the accomplishments of six participants in the programme throughout the last year.
The documentary is aimed at disrupting discourse about wahine Maori beneficiaries, through the lens of current participants.
Lived experience“Going in, we understood some of these barriers but were ignorant about how surmountable they were on an individual level, particularly about how deeply it affected their confidence and sense of self-worth,” Ms Wikaire said.
“We wanted to share these insights you would never know unless you had lived it,” she said.
The participants were six local Maori women who each created a micro-enterprise of their own.
“These unique micro-enterprises were built from their skills, knowledge and real life experience of socio-economic issues facing our regional communities,” Tiffany Haami-Jones said.
The businesses ranged from kaupapa Maori swimming lessons for children in Kaiti and traditional Maori weaving practices to teach people connection and eco-friendly practices, to affordable housing options and financial literacy programmes for local families in the region.
The launch was to celebrate the women’s achievements in front of their whanau, Ms Haami-Jones said — “on one hand to make it a reality for the ladies but on another, to share their lived experience, barriers, dreams and ventures moving forward”.
“It was by no means an easy journey; they deserve this moment to be proud,” she said.
“To truly establish long term transformation, we also need to create an environment that is nurturing for a micro-enterprise movement - in a way that is collaborative across the community - so it is beneficial for all of Tairawhiti community.
“The next steps for B360 is to help build that eco-system - because making this initiative successful long-term will require more people than just us.
B360 has a wider community focus of strengthening others so it’s beneficial for all.
“At the heart of B360 it’s about creating a connected and inclusive community where everyone has access to socio-economic opportunity.
“One way we have created a connected community is by meeting with local entrepreneurs who do not want to become a six-figure startup but want to create self-employed incomes from their skills,” Ms Haami-Jones said.
One of these local entrepreneurs is Tihema Johnson the owner of GEM Cuisine, GEM is an acronym for Green Eyed Maori.
“I was a qualified experienced chef who wanted to transition into self employment for years but didn’t know how,” Mr Johnson said
“Despite going to see different agencies for support, everyone talked about creating a start-up.
“B360 gave me the steps on how to do it, they supported me 100% with tailored education, confidence building, connection to networks and promotion to help me realise my unique strengths, skills and self-worth so I could develop this enterprise,” Mr Johnson said.
With B360’s support Mr Johnson and the B360 kai enterprise catered for a Ministry of Social Development event.
Ms Haami-Jones said they would also be preparing for the next programme by evaluating, measuring, reflecting and improving on what has already been done.
“We hope to take the documentary around the region — to share and connect but also to listen to communities, local agencies and organisations,” Ms Haami-Jones said.
“This way we can hear what they need and therefore design more appropriately and invite them to collaborate.”
B360 thanked Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) and the Ministry of Social Development for their support with the pilot phase, Linda Coulston said.
“We were very humbled to have Meka Whaitiri be our Master of Ceremonies for the launch night and wish to thank her for the support she has shown in this initiative,” Mrs Coulston said.?
“There will be another programme but first we need to check in with the people of the region. It’s their voice we want to hear now,” Ms Haami-Jones said.
If you would like to connect with B360 you can find them via Facebook or sign up on the website www.beneficial360.co.nz
