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Regional Business Partner Network: Upcoming Workshops

The Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) is a central government initiative designed to support small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow and innovate. CEDA is the agency that supports Manawatū-Whanganui based businesses through RBP.

On this page is a list of our upcoming workshops that are registered with RBP. To see if your business is eligible to access co-funding support, you will need to register with RBP. Once registered a CEDA Business Growth Advisor will reach out for a discovery session.

Already registered with RBP? Enquire below to register for workshops.

Planning Workshop

In this planning workshop you will develop and implement a plan to help enable you to achieve the desired results, increase profitability and cash flow, identify and help solve your burning issues.

Under the guidance from Jeff Cruickshank from MyBiz you will:

  • Develop a clear three-year business vision and long-term goals
  • Create a practical 12-month action plan with measurable milestones
  • Break annual goals into focused quarterly priorities and projects
  • Strengthen key business areas, including finance, sales, marketing, people, productivity, and systems
  • Build confidence, adaptability, and sustainable business growth through continuous planning and execution

Thursday 29th October 2026, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM 
The Cooperage Conference Centre, 723 Main Street, Palmerston North
$400 + GST per person

For registrations, co-funding eligibility, or more information about RBP-funded workshops, contact us.

Enquire Now

Marketing Workshop

This interactive workshop is designed to strengthen social media capability within small to medium businesses. The objective is to upskill business owners and managers so they can confidently plan, prioritise and manage social media activity in alignment with wider business goals.  

Facilitated by Mark Inman and the team from BlackSheepDesign,Participants will be able to:

  • Define clear objectives for their social media presence
  • Evaluate which platforms are appropriate for their business
  • Understand how to prioritise high-impact content
  • Apply practical content planning techniques
  • Communicate with authenticity and brand consistency
  • Identify meaningful performance metrics and interpret results
  • Manage community engagement, including responding to feedback

Thursday 5th November 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Hope Kitchen Cafe, 156 The Square, Palmerston North
$800 + GST per person 

For registrations, co-funding eligibility, or more information about RBP-funded workshops, contact us.

Enquire Now

Professional Development Workshop

Success in today’s workplace requires confidence, communication, and leadership. This practical Dale Carnegie Training programme helps participants build the skills and mindset needed to lead, influence, and achieve better results in their role.

Presented by Annette Cater from Dale Carnegie you will:

  • Build confidence and a proactive mindset
  • Strengthen communication and people skills
  • Develop effective leadership capabilities
  • Apply continuous improvement to achieve measurable results
  • Reduce stress and maintain a positive, resilient attitude

Friday 6th , 13th and 20th November 2026, 8:30am - 4:30pm (28 hours total) 3 x 1-day format
St Andrews Community Hall, 388 Church Street, Palmerston North Central
$3,100.00 + GST per person 

To find out if you are eligible for co-funding register with Regional Business Partner   

Enquire Now

AI Workshop

This workshop focuses on real‑world applications such as drafting content, improving workflows, reducing admin time, and identifying high‑value opportunities for AI adoption.

Conducted by Michael Dittmer from Secure Sphere, this session will give you strategies to:

  • Understanding AI, machine learning, and generative AI in plain language
  • Learning how AI tools process information and why data quality matters 
  • Developing safe and responsible AI use practices 
  • Building effective prompts for accurate, useful outputs
  • Identifying business tasks that benefit from AI support
  • Integrating human oversight into AI‑assisted workflows

Wednesday 11th November 2026, 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM 
Te Pae Tata - Ruapehu Community Hub, 43a Ruapehu Road, Ohakune
$350 + GST per person 

For registrations, co-funding eligibility, or more information about RBP-funded workshops, contact us.

Enquire Now

Sales Workshop

Sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about creating exceptional customer experiences and building lasting relationships. Whether you're new to sales or want to sharpen your skills, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to sell effectively.

Led by Mike Clark from Think Right Ltd, an internationally recognised sales and business trainer, this hands-on session will give you practical strategies to:

  • Understand customer drivers
  • Engage customers with confidence
  • Navigate the buying journey
  • Understand value creation
  • Learn how to cross-sell and upsell through benefit selling

Thursday 11th February 2027, 8.30 AM - 12.30 PM 
Orlando Country Club, 748 Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North
$400 + GST per person 

For registrations, co-funding eligibility, or more information about RBP-funded workshops, contact us.

Enquire Now

Get in touch with a Business Growth Advisor

Do you need some more information? Let us know how we can assist. 
Contact Us

Ō Mātou Kaihāpai | Our Supporters

Level 1, 5 Broadway Ave,
Palmerston North
PO Box 12005

Palmerston North 4410
+64 6 350 1830 
[email protected]
0800 CEDA SUPPORT (233 278)
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