Business Hawke's Bay and SODA Inc. start-up agreement announced

Business Hawke's Bay chief executive Carolyn Neville. Photo / File

Business Hawke's Bay and SODA Inc. have teamed up to provide start-up support programmes in Hawke's Bay.

Business Hawke's Bay chief executive Carolyn Neville said she was excited about the partnership with SODA, who had a proven programme for founders and access to world-class mentors.

"This is a valuable addition to the other support that is available and will enable qualifying founders with start-ups to build their capability and grow their companies."

SODA Inc. has supported and been behind many growing start-ups in New Zealand such as beekeeping hive management software, MyApiary and Hop Revolution that recently secured a $3 million investment through the MyFarm Hop Garden Investment initiative.

People working on start-ups in Hawke's Bay could apply for the SODA programme and access the resources, networks and mentorship on offer.

"We encourage ambitious people who are working on opportunities that have potential for scale to get in touch with the team at Business Hawke's Bay and see if this programme is right for you," SODA Inc. chief executive Erin Wansbrough said.

Every company wanting to join the programme will go through an application process.

"If there's a fit, we'll invite the founder(s) to present their opportunity to a local panel - 'a friendly dragons' den', and if successful we'll then work with the founder(s) to craft a customised programme and mentoring match.

"We don't limit our intake of start-ups to just one profession or level of experience. We've worked with a lot of start-ups, entrepreneurs and many businesses ranging in different sizes."