We have a dedicated Māori Business Growth Advisor who will, in partnership with Te Manu Atatu, connect small to medium-sized businesses with support and resources following registration with Regional Business Partners, a programme free to all businesses.
Once CEDA has received your registration, our Māori Business Growth Advisor will contact you to organise a confidential ‘Discovery Session’ to discuss your business goals, growth plans, challenges, and opportunities. The Māori Business Growth Advisor will then work with you to formulate an action plan for achieving your goals and connect you to the support required.
See the below for support organisations and development opportunities that you may be able to connect with either now or in the future.
Start Up Phase
Pakihi
Pakihi is an initiative supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) – offering a free, online short course that enables whānau to realise their potential in business register here.
Māori Business Networks
Business Networks are a fantastic way to meet and share experiences with other Māori entrepreneurs and professionals. Click here for links to Māori Business Networks across Te Tai Hauauru.
Iwi
Many Iwi offer support opportunities for business and education opportunities.
Click here for – Te Kāhui Māngai – Directory of Iwi and Māori Organisations
MWDI – Māori Women’s Development Inc
MWDI Supports wāhine Māori and their whānau in business.
Today Māori Women’s Development Inc is a unique, indigenous financial institution. Governed, managed and operated by Wāhine Māori, for the economic development of Wāhine Māori and their whānau. They provide micro-loans, business coaching & financial capability programmes.
They also provide loans to Māori women and their whānau to enable and assist them to enter into and commence business and/or to expand and restructure their existing businesses.
Click here for further information and Start Your Own Business (SYOB) self-assessment application documents
Grow Phase
Poutama Trust
Poutama is an independent charitable trust established in 1988 to provide business development services to Māori. Poutama strives to create an environment for successful business ventures and economic growth for Māori. Income generated from its investments enables Poutama to engage in activities and provide services that support and facilitate Māori business development.
Pūtea Whakawhanake Pakihi Māori – Māori Business Development Investment
The Business Development Investment (BDI) enables businesses to investigate innovative ideas to help consolidate and grow. The BDI can assist with the purchase of products and/or services that will help strengthen a business. BDI can also support business owners/employees to upskill.
Click here for further information, conditions and criteria, and to apply online
Te Puni Kōkiri
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships programme supports employers developing cadets for at least six months, in permanent jobs. Employers can receive up to $10,000 for each cadet, but they must commit to their structured and tailored mentoring, training and development.
Cadetships have demonstrated a positive impact on Māori earnings, skills and employability, and improve business productivity.
Click here for further information, conditions and criteria, and application form
Want to know more about Māori business activity in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Get in touch with a Business Growth Advisor
As a first step, we’ll need you to Make a Business Enquiry with our team. Get started via the button below and one of our Business team members will be in touch.