PopUp business school returns
For the second year running, Whanganui’s entrepreneurs will have a chance to learn the skills and confidence needed to turn their business dreams into reality.
The PopUp Business School Aotearoa (PUBSA) is a two-week start-up development course, offered to participants free of charge. The course is organised and brought by Whanganui & Partners, in partnership with Ma¯ ori business network, Te Manu Atatu and the Ministry of Social Development.
PUBSA uses a curriculum of practical workshops and inspirational guest speakers to “help people start-up and make money doing what they love”. Through a partnership with UCOL, attendees will pitch their business ideas and make their first sale at a Trade Show held alongside UCOL’s Market Day, on February 20, 11am-3pm.
“The Pop-up Business School is a chance for people in our community to develop a range of new skills and build their confidence,” says Hayden Potaka, Te Manu Atatu business network facilitator. “After attending the 20 workshops, and testing out their idea at the trade show, they’ll be ready to take their learning into real life.”
The programme first came to Whanganui last year and attracted 34 participants. More than half of this group made a sale within two weeks of completing the course and twothirds built and launched a website for their business.
Surveys completed by participants before and after the course also found increases in confidence, happiness, selfefficacy and business skills.
The popularity of the 2018 programme and a strong marketing campaign from founders has led to a significant increase in enrolments: 144 people have registered for the 2019 PopUp Business School.
“We’re happy to see so much interest in starting a business,” says Whanganui & Partners’ strategic lead, innovation Rene Olmos. “It demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of our community.”
After the course, participants’ next step will be to visit the Innovation Quarter at 179 St Hill St, to take advantage of the free business start-up services offered by Whanganui & Partners.
“Whanganui is a great place to start a business,” says Olmos. “Start-up costs are relatively low, and the community is very supportive of local businesses. We’re confident that by helping entrepreneurs develop the right skills, and confidence in themselves, we’re setting up our community for success.”
The 2019 programme is running February 11-22 at the Davis Lecture Theatre at the Whanganui Regional Museum. Each day is made up of two workshops and a guest speaker. Workshops take on practical topics such as making sales, social media, taxes and networking. Speakers in 2019 include David Bennett from Pacific Helmets, Christina Emery from Media Works, Ed Boyd from H& A Print, Christine Jones from Westpac, Carrissa Brown from Tranquility, Matt Webb from NZME, Nicola Patrick from Thrive and Hadleigh Reid from Victoria Dental.
■ For information, contact Rene Olmos at Whanganui & Partners, phone 06 349 3119 or email Rene.Olmos@whanganuiand partners.nz.