Latest news with #PowerUpAccelerator
Scoop
05-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Venture Taranaki Calls For Big Thinkers To PowerUp In 2025
Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the region's economic development agency, is calling on early-stage founders, startups, and ambitious thinkers to apply for the 2025 PowerUp Business Ready programme, a free, eight-week business capability workshop series designed to help Taranaki entrepreneurs validate their ideas, build confidence, and develop a viable plan to launch or grow. The 2025 intake begins on Tuesday, 16 September, with applications now open and closing on Sunday, 31 August. Places are strictly limited and subject to a panel-based selection process. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will engage in interactive, practical workshops that cover core business fundamentals, including customer validation, value proposition development, market strategy, financial planning, and pitching. Each participant also receives a one-on-one session with a business advisor to review progress, refine their business model, and define their next steps. "PowerUp Business Ready is an established programme with proven results" says Jenn Patterson, GM Economic Development at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. "It's designed for people who are ready to act, whether they're at the concept stage or looking to grow innovation within an existing business." The programme has already helped accelerate the growth of numerous Taranaki ventures. One of last year's participants, Kris Sebro, CEO of Lastmyle, says, "PowerUp enables the business to capture the key elements for the appropriate structure and provides a great foundation for any company, new or existing, to set them up for success." says, "PowerUp enables the business to capture the key elements for the appropriate structure and provides a great foundation for any company, new or existing, to set them up for success." Sebro, whose business is creating energy solutions to meet the needs of the future energy system in Aotearoa, praised PowerUp for helping Lastmyle strategically align along the electricity value chain. "A key challenge for us was product-market fit and optimising our value proposition. PowerUp helped us clarify this by challenging us to understand our customers' motivations and refine our approach to market." "Plans rarely proceed as indicated, and the ability to pivot is critical. Listening to your customers will guide you to create a better, fit-for-purpose product." PowerUp Business Ready is one of several initiatives within the broader PowerUp platform, a suite of programmes designed to support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Other initiatives include the PowerUp Accelerator and Scale Up Grants, as well as expert-led masterclasses, structured workshops, and inspiring storytelling from local Taranaki founders through the PowerUp Podcast. "The startup ecosystem in Taranaki is building real momentum" says Jenn Patterson. "PowerUp Business Ready is the longest-running and most successful business incubator programme in the region. We're proud to back the next generation of bold thinkers and early-stage businesses."
Scoop
05-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Venture Taranaki Calls For Big Thinkers To PowerUp In 2025
Press Release – Venture Taranaki The 2025 intake begins on Tuesday, 16 September, with applications now open and closing on Sunday, 31 August. Places are strictly limited and subject to a panel-based selection process. Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the region's economic development agency, is calling on early-stage founders, startups, and ambitious thinkers to apply for the 2025 PowerUp Business Ready programme, a free, eight-week business capability workshop series designed to help Taranaki entrepreneurs validate their ideas, build confidence, and develop a viable plan to launch or grow. The 2025 intake begins on Tuesday, 16 September, with applications now open and closing on Sunday, 31 August. Places are strictly limited and subject to a panel-based selection process. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will engage in interactive, practical workshops that cover core business fundamentals, including customer validation, value proposition development, market strategy, financial planning, and pitching. Each participant also receives a one-on-one session with a business advisor to review progress, refine their business model, and define their next steps. 'PowerUp Business Ready is an established programme with proven results' says Jenn Patterson, GM Economic Development at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. 'It's designed for people who are ready to act, whether they're at the concept stage or looking to grow innovation within an existing business.' The programme has already helped accelerate the growth of numerous Taranaki ventures. One of last year's participants, Kris Sebro, CEO of Lastmyle, says, 'PowerUp enables the business to capture the key elements for the appropriate structure and provides a great foundation for any company, new or existing, to set them up for success.' says, 'PowerUp enables the business to capture the key elements for the appropriate structure and provides a great foundation for any company, new or existing, to set them up for success.' Sebro, whose business is creating energy solutions to meet the needs of the future energy system in Aotearoa, praised PowerUp for helping Lastmyle strategically align along the electricity value chain. 'A key challenge for us was product-market fit and optimising our value proposition. PowerUp helped us clarify this by challenging us to understand our customers' motivations and refine our approach to market.' 'Plans rarely proceed as indicated, and the ability to pivot is critical. Listening to your customers will guide you to create a better, fit-for-purpose product.' PowerUp Business Ready is one of several initiatives within the broader PowerUp platform, a suite of programmes designed to support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Other initiatives include the PowerUp Accelerator and Scale Up Grants, as well as expert-led masterclasses, structured workshops, and inspiring storytelling from local Taranaki founders through the PowerUp Podcast. 'The startup ecosystem in Taranaki is building real momentum' says Jenn Patterson. 'PowerUp Business Ready is the longest-running and most successful business incubator programme in the region. We're proud to back the next generation of bold thinkers and early-stage businesses.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taranaki Startups Begin 10-Week Sprint To Scale With PowerUp Accelerator
Press Release – Venture Taranaki The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors. The PowerUp Accelerator has officially kicked off, with six ambitious founders from across the region now embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses. The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors. 'This isn't a theory-based programme – it's tailored, practical, and focused on real-world outcomes,' says Jennifer Patterson, General Manager of Economic Development, Venture Taranaki. 'Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring to unlock their potential, expert sessions to sharpen their business strategy, and the chance to fine-tune their pitch so they're ready to step in front of investors with confidence.' Throughout the programme, founders will also have access to dedicated co-working spaces and take part in regular peer check-ins to build a strong support network with other like-minded entrepreneurs. The Accelerator culminates in a live Showcase Night on 26 June – a pitch event where each participant will present their venture to an audience of investors, industry experts, and potential collaborators. Tickets will be available to the public on 2 June. Those interested can attend online or in person. 'It's a chance to gain valuable feedback, build connections, and create real momentum for their business,' adds Patterson. 'We're really excited to be part of the Accelerator programme and the momentum it brings to RockPool's mission,' said Masina Taulapapa, co-founder of RockPool Collective. ''At RockPool, we're reimagining aged care by connecting senior Kiwis with local families to build thriving intergenerational communities – a fresh and powerful solution to isolation, childcare challenges, and ageing at home.' 'The PowerUp programme gives us the chance to strengthen our business and connect with others who believe in building a more inclusive, intergenerational Aotearoa – an invaluable opportunity at this point in RockPool's journey.' The 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and ingenuity of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with ventures spanning healthcare, aged care, edtech, skincare, and premium beverages. The startups and their hand-picked mentors include: – BOTALLOW: New Zealand's first supplier of premium, cosmetic-grade tallow at scale. Mentored by Nick Carey from Green Meadows Beef. – Elshaw: A natural solution for managing healthcare dressings and patches. Mentored by Glen Stephens from Sol + Sea – ExplainIT: Transformational education tools for those who struggle with numbers. Mentored by Kevin Best from Trackit – Her Strength: A science-based learning platform designed to help young female athletes thrive in sport. Mentored by Letitia Stevenson from Yonder HQ – Rockpool Collective: Reimagining the future of aged care by building intergenerational communities. Mentored by Sandra Julian – Zoa Vodka: International award-winning premium vodka produced exclusively in Taranaki. Mentored by Lindie Meintjes 'The PowerUp Accelerator is part of our wider mahi to strengthen the regions' innovation ecosystem,' says Patterson. 'We're proud to support these founders and help them move from promising ideas to powerful enterprises.' About the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Event The PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night is a live pitching event where six of the region's boldest new ventures will present their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and supporters. The night Hosted by Stacey Hitchcock, General Manager of Investment, Venture Taranaki, alongside a special guest speaker, you are sure to be entertained and inspired. Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025 Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm Venue: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth Tickets: Available 2 June – $35 to attend in-person, or $15 to view the online stream. About PowerUp PowerUp is a Venture Taranaki initiative. It is a range of support, services and activity focused on fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki, to help create smart, connected communities and enterprises. PowerUp is a carefully constructed programme of events and activities, delivered in conjunction with partners, and designed to complement the services and support already on offer by the wider ecosystem. A key objective of PowerUp is to highlight the range of support available for start-ups, entrepreneurs and enterprises across the entire ecosystem, helping to build visibility of the ecosystem itself. Connection and collaboration with the region's institutions, businesses and communities is vital to successfully powering-up the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taranaki Startups Begin 10-Week Sprint To Scale With PowerUp Accelerator
Press Release – Venture Taranaki The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors. The PowerUp Accelerator has officially kicked off, with six ambitious founders from across the region now embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses. The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors. 'This isn't a theory-based programme – it's tailored, practical, and focused on real-world outcomes,' says Jennifer Patterson, General Manager of Economic Development, Venture Taranaki. 'Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring to unlock their potential, expert sessions to sharpen their business strategy, and the chance to fine-tune their pitch so they're ready to step in front of investors with confidence.' Throughout the programme, founders will also have access to dedicated co-working spaces and take part in regular peer check-ins to build a strong support network with other like-minded entrepreneurs. The Accelerator culminates in a live Showcase Night on 26 June – a pitch event where each participant will present their venture to an audience of investors, industry experts, and potential collaborators. Tickets will be available to the public on 2 June. Those interested can attend online or in person. 'It's a chance to gain valuable feedback, build connections, and create real momentum for their business,' adds Patterson. 'We're really excited to be part of the Accelerator programme and the momentum it brings to RockPool's mission,' said Masina Taulapapa, co-founder of RockPool Collective. ''At RockPool, we're reimagining aged care by connecting senior Kiwis with local families to build thriving intergenerational communities – a fresh and powerful solution to isolation, childcare challenges, and ageing at home.' 'The PowerUp programme gives us the chance to strengthen our business and connect with others who believe in building a more inclusive, intergenerational Aotearoa – an invaluable opportunity at this point in RockPool's journey.' The 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and ingenuity of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with ventures spanning healthcare, aged care, edtech, skincare, and premium beverages. The startups and their hand-picked mentors include: – BOTALLOW: New Zealand's first supplier of premium, cosmetic-grade tallow at scale. Mentored by Nick Carey from Green Meadows Beef. – Elshaw: A natural solution for managing healthcare dressings and patches. Mentored by Glen Stephens from Sol + Sea – ExplainIT: Transformational education tools for those who struggle with numbers. Mentored by Kevin Best from Trackit – Her Strength: A science-based learning platform designed to help young female athletes thrive in sport. Mentored by Letitia Stevenson from Yonder HQ – Rockpool Collective: Reimagining the future of aged care by building intergenerational communities. Mentored by Sandra Julian – Zoa Vodka: International award-winning premium vodka produced exclusively in Taranaki. Mentored by Lindie Meintjes 'The PowerUp Accelerator is part of our wider mahi to strengthen the regions' innovation ecosystem,' says Patterson. 'We're proud to support these founders and help them move from promising ideas to powerful enterprises.' About the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Event The PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night is a live pitching event where six of the region's boldest new ventures will present their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and supporters. The night Hosted by Stacey Hitchcock, General Manager of Investment, Venture Taranaki, alongside a special guest speaker, you are sure to be entertained and inspired. Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025 Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm Venue: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth Tickets: Available 2 June – $35 to attend in-person, or $15 to view the online stream. About PowerUp PowerUp is a Venture Taranaki initiative. It is a range of support, services and activity focused on fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki, to help create smart, connected communities and enterprises. PowerUp is a carefully constructed programme of events and activities, delivered in conjunction with partners, and designed to complement the services and support already on offer by the wider ecosystem. A key objective of PowerUp is to highlight the range of support available for start-ups, entrepreneurs and enterprises across the entire ecosystem, helping to build visibility of the ecosystem itself. Connection and collaboration with the region's institutions, businesses and communities is vital to successfully powering-up the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taranaki Startups Begin 10-Week Sprint To Scale With PowerUp Accelerator
The PowerUp Accelerator has officially kicked off, with six ambitious founders from across the region now embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses. The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors. "This isn't a theory-based programme - it's tailored, practical, and focused on real-world outcomes," says Jennifer Patterson, General Manager of Economic Development, Venture Taranaki. "Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring to unlock their potential, expert sessions to sharpen their business strategy, and the chance to fine-tune their pitch so they're ready to step in front of investors with confidence." Throughout the programme, founders will also have access to dedicated co-working spaces and take part in regular peer check-ins to build a strong support network with other like-minded entrepreneurs. The Accelerator culminates in a live Showcase Night on 26 June - a pitch event where each participant will present their venture to an audience of investors, industry experts, and potential collaborators. Tickets will be available to the public on 2 June. Those interested can attend online or in person. "It's a chance to gain valuable feedback, build connections, and create real momentum for their business," adds Patterson. "We're really excited to be part of the Accelerator programme and the momentum it brings to RockPool's mission," said Masina Taulapapa, co-founder of RockPool Collective. '"At RockPool, we're reimagining aged care by connecting senior Kiwis with local families to build thriving intergenerational communities - a fresh and powerful solution to isolation, childcare challenges, and ageing at home." "The PowerUp programme gives us the chance to strengthen our business and connect with others who believe in building a more inclusive, intergenerational Aotearoa - an invaluable opportunity at this point in RockPool's journey." The 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and ingenuity of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with ventures spanning healthcare, aged care, edtech, skincare, and premium beverages. The startups and their hand-picked mentors include: - BOTALLOW: New Zealand's first supplier of premium, cosmetic-grade tallow at scale. Mentored by Nick Carey from Green Meadows Beef. - Elshaw: A natural solution for managing healthcare dressings and patches. Mentored by Glen Stephens from Sol + Sea - ExplainIT: Transformational education tools for those who struggle with numbers. Mentored by Kevin Best from Trackit - Her Strength: A science-based learning platform designed to help young female athletes thrive in sport. Mentored by Letitia Stevenson from Yonder HQ - Rockpool Collective: Reimagining the future of aged care by building intergenerational communities. Mentored by Sandra Julian - Zoa Vodka: International award-winning premium vodka produced exclusively in Taranaki. Mentored by Lindie Meintjes "The PowerUp Accelerator is part of our wider mahi to strengthen the regions' innovation ecosystem," says Patterson. "We're proud to support these founders and help them move from promising ideas to powerful enterprises." About the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Event The PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night is a live pitching event where six of the region's boldest new ventures will present their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and supporters. The night Hosted by Stacey Hitchcock, General Manager of Investment, Venture Taranaki, alongside a special guest speaker, you are sure to be entertained and inspired. Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025 Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Venue: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth Tickets: Available 2 June - $35 to attend in-person, or $15 to view the online stream. About PowerUp PowerUp is a Venture Taranaki initiative. It is a range of support, services and activity focused on fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki, to help create smart, connected communities and enterprises. PowerUp is a carefully constructed programme of events and activities, delivered in conjunction with partners, and designed to complement the services and support already on offer by the wider ecosystem. A key objective of PowerUp is to highlight the range of support available for start-ups, entrepreneurs and enterprises across the entire ecosystem, helping to build visibility of the ecosystem itself. Connection and collaboration with the region's institutions, businesses and communities is vital to successfully powering-up the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki.
