Applications are open for the Incubate programme that helps start-ups or newly established businesses and social enterprises succeed and grow.
Participants will receive one-on-one coaching sessions and group training modules to build business capability to help them develop a sustainable organisation.
Firestation delivers the programme in partnership with Rotorua X.
It is supported by other organisations including BDO and the Employers and Manufacturers Association.
Rotorua X chairman and Incubate programme creator and director from Firestation Darren McGarvie said more than 50 organisations had graduated from the programme in the last two years.
"Establishing and growing a new enterprise is challenging. There are so many different areas to be across.
"This programme gives participants coaching and training to set goals, implement actions and increase overall success through business planning. At the end of the 12 weeks they walk away with a business plan to help them succeed," he said.
The programme is subsidised thanks to sponsorship from Rotorua Lakes Council and Kawerau Enterprise Agency.
"Feedback after each programme has been incredibly positive, with all participants saying they would recommend it to other business owners," Mr McGarvie said.
Inez White, founder and director of Indigenuity Limited, an indigenous valuation/advisory practise, graduated from the Incubate programme in July.
Indigenuity Limited is a hub of qualified consultants specialising in Maori land, Maori land ownership, education, and research.
Ms White originally applied for Incubate because while she was extremely knowledgable in her rare field of indigenous land issues, she felt that she had much to learn in running and managing a business.
"My vision for my business is to power and uplift indigenous land owners with the best specialised consultancy. While there was great demand for my services I was felt that there must be a more efficient way to manage the business.
"Incubate helped me prioritise the running of the business which then led to implementing a project management system, and we have seen productivity gains as a result.
"The best thing about Incubate has been learning the tools and skills to manage a team and marketing," she said.
Incubate applications close November 9 with the programme starting late November. It requires a time commitment of two to three hours per week. Rotorua and Kawerau businesses and social enterprises are invited to register their interest online at http://bit.ly/FS_Inc6.
Firestation Incubate includes:
· Eight group sessions covering topics such as Growth Mindset & Self-Management, Marketing Essentials, Sales Strategies, Employment Law, Online Marketing, Business Essentials, Tax & Xero and Pitching & Pricing.
· Two one-on-one coaching sessions.
· Final session all participants must present a business plan.
