The ICEHOUSE Business Growth Centre
ICE Bridge (Learning and development for Owner-Managed Businesses)
ICE Accelerator (Incubation for Start-Up Businesses)
ICE Angels
ICE Network
From our Partners
From the CEO - Andrew Hamilton
Big changes within The ICEHOUSE team
After 6 years at The ICEHOUSE, Maria Taylor, Business Development Manager is moving on, taking some time out to enjoy the summer months before she looks to her next challenge.
Maria has thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the great people she has come into contact with while working at The ICEHOUSE. She feels privileged to have been responsible for both channel and partner relationships but feels the time is right to take a much needed break. Maria is certain that the company will continue to go from strength to strength and wishes you and The ICEHOUSE team every success.
On your behalf and ours - thanks Maria for all that you have done.
Further to this, we are delighted to announce that Samantha Copland will be taking on the business development manager role at The ICEHOUSE.
Sam has worked for The ICEHOUSE for the last 2 years, starting as executive assistant to the management team, before moving into managing the operations.
Prior to The ICEHOUSE, Sam worked in a number of Project Management and Administrative roles in NZ and the UK, with particular focus on Sales & Marketing in the Events and Financial Services industries.
We also wanted to take the opportunity to provide some updated staff changes, as we have been growing the team given your great support and encouragement.
In the start-up team:
- Mark McLeod-Smith has started as Market Validation Specialist on 9 January. Mark came on board as a project manager in 2010 and he is now taking on a full time role. We are looking forward to Mark being our in-house market validation guru working with MV Guru Duncan Ledwith and being guided by Nick.
- Welcome also to Lillian and Jordan who came on as new project managers late last year – we know you guys are going to keep up the traditions set by the guys before you.
In the sales & marketing team:
- Welcome to Nina Stairmand, who joined us just before Xmas as a new Sales Executive given the growth in the Bridge owner manager programmes. Nina is already making waves – nice to have you on board Nina.
- A couple alterations in role scope coming as well in marketing – with the growth of both sides of the business, it is leading to some focus, so:
- Emily will continue to do the amazing job she does for the business looking after all of business communications, social media and projects like the website upgrade. In addition to this, in 2012 she will take more of a focus on Bridge marketing.
- Amy will continue to manage and execute all external events to the high standard she always has. In 2012 she will also have more of a focus on the marketing required for the start-up side of the business.
On the operations side of things:
- Mariko Rogers, who will continue as the Technology and Operations Manager, stepping up and taking on forecasting for the Operations team as well as leading a number of projects including Customer Satisfaction and Impact Measurement across the whole of business. Congratulations to you Mariko for the big step-up you are making in taking our technology platform into the cloud, so to speak!
- Dharmesh replaced Jax late last year as our financial controller – he seems like an old hand now, and he seems to like the music on this side, which is good! Dharmesh is looking to take our financial systems to the next level, primarily giving us all the right information we need to drive the business forward at the times we need it! Welcome again Dharmesh to the team!
- Charlotte is moving into a Sales Support role, supporting the whole of business. Charlotte will focus on setting up effective and efficient systems for sales processing as well as customer support in areas such as Coaching. This change will happen once we have the new EA and Admin Assistant on board.
- To apply for the new EA role, please see advert below.
All the best for the start of 2012, we are looking forward to working with you to make a big difference for Kiwi business.
The ICEHOUSE is looking for an Executive Assistant to the CEO – Andy Hamilton
Are you passionate about being part of a great team that helps kiwi entrepreneurs and business owners to become internationally capable and successful?
Do you want to make stuff happen?
Do you like working at pace and on a variety of tasks?
And most importantly do you love playing a support role for a leader who is a bit crazy while being passionate about the organisations cause?
You will be responsible for a number of administrative tasks across the business including
- extensive email and diary management
- supporting the smooth running of the management team and relationship with the Board
- ensuring compliance with appropriate rules/laws
- overseeing human resource policies, procedures and initiatives
- creation and co-ordination of internal events
- special projects
You will be part of the Operations Team - the backbone and support for the business, always looking for ways to improve efficiencies. You will manage the Administration Assistant and Legal Adviser and work alongside the wider operations team which includes Financial Controller and Technology and Operations Manager.
If you are intelligent, adaptable, resilient with strong communication skills and can prioritise workload then please send your
CV and a cover letter (no more than a page please) telling us why you want the role to Samantha Copland s.copland@theicehouse.co.nz by 14 February.
ICEHOUSE intern makes it to New York City
We are pleased to announce Danny Robertson has been appointed a role with Gust , the official platform of the world’s leading angel associations – based in New York City www.gust.com from 30 January.
Danny has worked at The ICEHOUSE as a Project Manager in the Start-up team since 2010. He has worked closely with ICE Accelerator resident start-up businesses, Executives in Residence, and Partners, ensuring the start-ups fully leverage their time with us and achieve success in all areas.
This opportunity is well deserved and we all wish Danny the very best.
Andrew Hamilton of The ICEHOUSE Joins the GO UK Judging Panel
Auckland, 21 December 2011 - UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) announced today that it has appointed the founding CEO of one of New Zealand’s most successful incubators, The ICEHOUSE, to its judging panel for the prestigious GO UK competition where New Zealand companies are invited to submit business plans for a chance to win a $30,000 prize package.
Andrew Hamilton was the founding CEO of The ICEHOUSE in 2001 and he has also been Chair of Incubators New Zealand and Angel Association New Zealand (still a councillor), is a Board member of ICE Angels and also a Board member of ANZATEC – the Australian New Zealand Technology Forum based in Silicon Valley, a group which is tasked with creating a better gateway for NZ and Australian technology companies to enter the US.
Read more>
Pick for the month
Upcoming events and forums:
- Andy Hamilton guest speaker at the Smart Business Development Conference - Gain skills in stragtegic thinking and forward planning - register now>
- Auckland University Short Courses are introducing Tony Seba – Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Clean Energy, Stanford University.Tony Seba is a internationally renowned author, educator and entrepreneur. Tony Seba brings over twenty years of solid operating experience in fast-growth high tech and clean tech companies. For more information or to enrol, visit www.shortcourses.ac.nz or call us on 0800 800 875.
- Seeking social entrepreneurs with a cause - The Social Entrepreneurs School (SES) in Auckland project is a unique learning programme for entrepreneurial individuals who have an idea / project or enterprise that has a social or environmental benefit. Apply now>
- ANZA's first free webinar of 2012 - The New Entrepreneur: New Rules for the New Era of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Bill Reichert, Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, Silicon Valley. Register here>
Must have a look:
- Current attendee on OMP24 Kathryn Wilson from Kathryn Wilson Shoes, talked to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this week. Listen here>
- Reseach on New Zealanders living offshore: Every Kiwi Counts research is to provide rich information on New Zealand’s expatriate population in order to enable deeper connections between New Zealanders living at home and those living overseas in a way that benefits New Zealand. Read more>
- Youth Japan New Zealand Business Council (yJNZBC) Business Grant Report - JNZBC Joint Annual Conference, Osaka 6-8 November 2011. Read report>
- Google is everywhere. The site is slanted towards providing insights and stats to support online marketing. Check this site out>
- Care of @davewrathall this is a perfect primer for BNZ-Virgin business challenge finalists @bnzbank. Have a look>
- News Release - Auckland 18 December 2011: Paramount Services sponsors Jonathan Watts speaking tour “Let’s learn environmental lessons from China” – What does a commercial cleaning company have to do with China’s environment? Read more>
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Introducing the Owner Operator Programme for businesses under $3million in revenue
Do you feel that your business has more potential, but you are unsure how to unlock it?
The ICEHOUSE Owner Operator Programme is designed for owner operators who want to grow, but need the tools, knowledge or inspiration to take their business to the next level. The programme is design for owner operators of businesses with less than $3million in revenue.
The programme helps smaller businesses to strengthen and grow through goal setting, implementation of those goals, and help with staying focused and motivated. This is done through access to expert facilitators, workshops, tools and coaching and the opportunity to work alongside peers facing similar challenges.
Here’s how this world-class programme works:
- A full day workshop every two months over a two year period
- Action groups of 6-7 members meeting fortnightly to review commitments and plans
- 1:1 coaching every 6 weeks, two months or quarterly
- Long term commitment is recommended to facilitate change, minimum 6 months
- Investment per month $895.00 (plus GST)
For more information, please contact Rob Holmes on r.holmes@theicehouse.co.nz or 09 308 6203.
Take your business to the next level with ICEHOUSE Coaching
The ICEHOUSE has completed its first year in providing a coaching service to clients which has proved very successful. We have built a fabulous team of experienced consultants who are helping to provide very real tangible impacts with over 40 Owner Managed companies. The main focus is for clients and coaches to agree on short, medium and long term goals and the coach is there to help them implement these plans. We often see feedback from our clients who state how motivational the experience is and how it pushes them and removes a feeling of isolation.
"She’s provided an excellent source of advice and really pushing us to grow and drive forward. Its definitely not been easy with how busy we’ve been, fitting everything in, but so very worthwhile. We’re feeling better than we’ve ever felt about the future of the business." - Anonymous
If this is of interest, please contact Mike Stokes on m.stokes@theicehouse.co.nz or 09 308 62221.
Achieving Business Growth
Following the record breaking year last year, our regional Achieving Business Growth Workshop specifically designed to take your business to the next level, is filling up fast with huge support from our partners Crombie Lockwood, BNZ and local chambers of commerce.
This workshop allows you to unlock the real potential of your business and stay ahead of your competitors. It is a workshop designed to challenge your thinking, look at new opportunities and figure out how to put them into play in order to grow your business.
Take advantage of this superb workshop in your region;
- Blenhiem 14 & 15 February 2012
- Wellington 19 & 20 March 2012
- Christchurch 17 &18 April 2012
- Central Auckland 15 & 16 May 2012
- Invercargill 24 & 25 July 2012
- Tauranga 7 & 8 August 2012
- Nelson 29 & 30 August 2012
- Palmerston North 11 & 12 September 2012
- South Auckland 16 & 17 October 2012
To book your place or for more information, contact Nina Stairmand on n.stairmand@theicehouse.co.nz or 09 308 6220.
Leadership Development Programme for Senior Managers - (name change from Leading and Managing for Growth)
Getting a team all moving in the same direction is not always easy. The purpose of the programme is to develop a vision that you and the business's owner manager can share. It will put you in a position to help develop and implement strategic business plans, strengthening your business's management team.
You will develop your skills through sessions with ICEHOUSE coaches, external experts, and a network of peers who are facing similar opportunities and challenges.
“It showed me that my focus had to shift. I had always been stuck in the business, making sure things were done well. Now I’m much more focussed on where the business is going, what needs to be accomplished and what skills and resources need to be developed." - Jason Wilton, Furnware
Read Furnware case study>
Leadership Development Programme 13 - Auckland
- Block 1 May 9 - 11
- Block 2 June 20 - 22
- Block 3 July 27
Leadership Development Programme 14 - Auckland
- Block 1 September 19 - 21
- Block 2 October 31 – November 2
- Block 3 December 7
To book your place or for more information, contact Rob Holmes on r.holmes@theicehouse.co.nz or 09 308 6203.
Owner Manager Programme
Our flagship Owner Manager programme continues to deliver on every level. Places on our February programme have been full for well over six months and with very limited places on our July programme, now is the time to make the difference.
The ICE Bridge Owner Manager Programme is held over five consecutive months, in blocks of three days per month. This is followed by two single-day implementation workshops three months apart. The five blocks start at 9.30am on the Thursday and run through to 3.30pm on the Saturday.
Throughout this programme you will discover a new perspective on your business, gain a better understanding of yourself (as an individual and a business owner), and a clearer sense of where you are going and how to get there whilst maintaining a better work / life balance.
OMP 26 - 2012
- Block 1 (Auckland) 19 - 21 July
- Block 2 (Christchurch) 23 – 25 August
- Block 3 (Auckland) 27 - 29 Sept
- Block 4 (Nelson) 25 – 27 October
- Block 5 (Auckland) 29 Nov – 1 Dec
OMP 27 - 2012
- Block 1 (Auckland) 4 - 6 October
- Block 2 (Auckland) 8 - 10 November
- Block 3 (Auckland) 13 - 15 December
- Block 4 (Auckland) 17 - 19 January
- Block 5 (Auckland) 21 - 24 February
To book your place or for more information, contact Mike Stokes on m.stokes@theicehouse.co.nz or 09 308 6221.
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Visitor Parking Solutions signs deal with Tournament Parking
ICEHOUSE resident Visitor Parking Solutions has signed a major deal with Tournament Parking Ltd to provide them with on-line car park booking services for all their operations across New Zealand. This follows a successful pilot at their flagship car park in Shortland Street, Auckland.
For those who don’t know, Visitor Parking Solutions designs on-line booking solutions to allow car park operators and owners to maximise revenue and realise new opportunities using the internet. The company has registered patents for a number of its processes and technologies.
Tournament Parking Ltd is a proudly Kiwi-owned company that has been managing car parks for over 13 years. Tournament currently operate 76 car parks in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.
Visitor Parking Solutions founder and CEO, Martin Cleland-Pottie, states “This deal really offers us the opportunity to demonstrate the scalability and functionality of the products by working with a major player. Liaising with a team whose decision-makers are all based locally meant we could get the deal concluded quickly and focus on allowing Tournament Parking to offer a whole new level of service to their customers.”
The deal will see Tournament Parking rapidly roll out the Visitor Parking and Bookapark.com products across their network of car parks and the Tournament Parking website.
www.visitorparking.co.nz
Introducing a new Entrepreneur in Residence, Andrew Seerden
Andrew has extensive governance, leadership, sales, marketing, business and strategic management skills.
Originally with IBM The Netherlands, he was a former General Manager for Hewlett-Packard NZ and Business Unit Director for Compaq NZ, but he has also started, owned – and worked in – a number of small and medium businesses. Andrew has been a mentor with “Business in the Community” and the “First Foundation Project”, and is the Chairperson of StarJam.org. It was thru HP that he first got involved with The ICEHOUSE.
His key strategic expertise is in B2B and B2C sales, both in a direct as well as indirect capacity. Andrew is passionate about getting results through aligning what the business owners want with strategic selling, people and sales management, channel development and channel management. He thrives on driving change if and when required and is experienced in leading and scaling multi-million dollar business units through sustainable growth, diversification and JV initiatives.
New Residents in The ICEHOUSE
Hatchery:
- Thoughtwired / Dmitry Selitskiy & Team. EIR Nick Egerton, Project Manager by Jordon
Market Valadation : EiR Duncan Leadwith with Project Manager Mark
- IP Safe / Wared Segar & Team
- Divetrex / Patrick Watson
- Clickworld / Lisa Jansen & Team
Incubation:
- Dirtyman / Tracy & Mike Orange. EiR Ken Lemming, Project Manager Lillian
- Synergist / Brett Herkt. EiR Andrew Seerden, Project Manager Jordon
Invitation to go UK - Enter UK's most prestigious competition for start-ups through to established businesses
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) welcomes applications from residents of the Icehouse to enter GO-UK, the UK’s most prestigious business competition.
This is your chance to win business-class return flights to the UK as part of a $30,000 package of business support.
Winners will receive support packages worth $30,000 package to help their business get going in the UK. The New Zealand winner will receive a prize package that includes:
• CEO:CEO introductions with key-customers and alliance partners from London based AMaCLimited
• Business registration and accounting support from Kevin Beare & Co.
• A return business class airfare to London with British Airways.
Read more>
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Annual Australian Angel Investor Conference
The Australian Association of Angel Investors (AAAI) have extended an offer of Early Bird Members rates to all members of Angel Association New Zealand. Click here for more details on this offer and contact karen.lyons@angelassociation.co.nz for the discount code if you would like to register for the event.
The 5th Annual Australian Angel Investor Conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 29th February - 2nd March, 2012. Meet, network with and hear what high profile Angel Investors have to say about their experiences, deals, industry trends and learn to be a more successful Angel Investor. The 2012 theme, Angel Capital - ensuring a sustainable future, presents the opportunities available for investors utilising the new models for this personal asset class to generate positive and sustainable returns.
Read more>
Golden Seeds Internship Programme
Applications are open for the 2012 The Golden Seeds internship program. The main goal of this program is to provide the opportunity for young people to learn about entrepreneurship from the angle of an investor, and to provide them with training in this field. Please see this document for more information the Internship Program>
ICE Angels renews investment deal with NZVIF
Australasia’s largest and most active angel investment group – ICE Angels – plans to invest around $10 million into New Zealand start-ups in partnership with the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund over the next five years.
Through the initial investment partnership, ICE Angels and NZVIF invested $8 million into 12 companies over the last four years. ICE Angels has now renewed the co-investment partnership, which sees NZVIF committing to invest up to $4 million into companies being selected and invested into ICE Ice Angel members.
Read more>
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Note from ICEHOUSE Alumni, Tim Alpe from JUCY
The JUCY family is extremely proud to announce the arrival of our newest addition ……….. the JUCY Champ.
Our little Champ was welcomed into the world at 2:34pm on Monday 9th of January 2012.
Like its older siblings Crib, Cabana and Condo, our little Champ is one of a kind. The major difference with this guy is that he is the first of 100 JUCY USA Campas that will be on the USA highways in 2012.
The very green, with a touch of purple Champ entered the world weighing a bonnie 1,752kg. He is 2.35m high and 5.20m long and has a 3.3 litre engine.
Don’t let size fool you! Champ is fun to be around, offers flexibility and includes everything even the kitchen sink.
I have also attached the Birth Certificate and a few photos of our handsome man.
We would like to thank Dr. Ben and all the staff at JUCY by Design for bringing us our bundle of joy.
Champ Birth Certificate>
ICEHOUSE Graduate BigLittleBang launch the Dubble Studio
There has been an amazing new update to the music in the BigLittleBang Universe - the launch of Dubble Studio 1.1. Now you can make music, save it, edit it in your ship and play it to your friends!
Read the 'how to' guide here>
Bluegate Technology Solutions is looking for a partner or investment opportunity
We are interested in partnering with a company in NZ who can assist us in the development, implementation and marketing of these products as well as assist us in expanding into new markets.
Brief overview of Bluegate Technology Solutions:
- develop custom on-line software applications for our clients ranging from online invoice, statistical, GIS and mapping components to mobile device development;
- currently operating in South Africa – found a niche in website application development (as opposed to basic website design or basic websites);
- very strong in the multimedia and Graphics design environment;
- hold a 90% client retention record and most of new business are generated through referrals;
- client list includes, among others: The CSIR (Council for Scientific and industrial Research); DST – Department of Science and Technology South Africa; DTI – Department of Trade and Industry South Africa; ISS – International Security Studies; Asphalt Academy; AFMA – Animal Feed Manufactures Association; SARF – South African Roads Federation and Vodacom SA.
For more information>
Opportunities that may be of interest - more businesses looking for a partner or investment opportunity
The following businesses that are in the metallurgical and mining industries are looking for a partner/s or investment opportunities. If you are interested to discuss this further or know of any one that may be, please contact Karla Hamilton: karlanz@xtra.co.nz or by phone on: +64 27 223 7545.
1. FeZa
Global Splash protection(Pty) Ltd trading as Feza - renders consulting engineering services to the metallurgical and mining industry.
Their services include:
1. Project management – e.g. project managed the design, build and operate of Chrome spiral, milling and flotation (for Platinum group metals) plant, as well as a 5MW arc furnace for the melting of arc furnace dust emanating from a stainless steel factory.
2. Business investment, due diligences.
3. Business modelling.
4. Manufacturing turn around assistance.
5. Manufacturing management.
6. Stock exchange listing of companies.
2. Sunsilicates (Pty) Ltd
This company is still small and only exists for the last 3 years. It however has tremendous growth potential and the ability to expand international. Currently it manufactures Potassium Silicates that is used as the binding agent for stick electrodes in the welding industry.
Currently they supply all the small welding rod manufactures in South Africa and has just secured the Afrox business as well.
They are planning to expand into the manufacture of Sodium Silicates that is a much larger volume business and 1000’s of tons are sold monthly into mainly the soap manufacturing, welding and metallurgical industry.
It is also used in the mining industry as a flotation agent or a dust suppressor in the mining industry (also known as water glass).
It has developed a slow release fertiliser that supplies Si to plants and has tremendous potential (strengthens the cell walls of plants, in sugarcane for example, it improves the yield by 30% as the product makes the cane more drought and pest resistant). This product is currently being evaluated at the University of Pretoria and is covered by a provisional patent.
They also manufacture liquid fertilisers used on amongst other – vegetables.
The opportunity exists to set up a similar factory in Australia to supply the welding and agric industry with these products. A partner/investor would be of help to get it off the ground quicker.
3. Ionex/ Earth Metallurgical Solutions
This company has developed innovative technology in the water treatment industry and more specifically in the effluent management of mine waters.
By using its patented technology (Ion exchange technology), it has the ability to clean up mine waters of dissolved metals. Not only can they remove the metals but then convert these elements into saleable products making them the only company in the world that can treat for example acid mine drainage and leave no environmental impact after our remedial actions.
Products produced are typically mixed metal nitrates – used in mine explosives and Ammonium Sulphate – fertiliser. (This company recently won an award as the best business plan for a small company in South Africa).
This also created the opportunities to remove residual low level elements from, for example Vanadium dumps, to make the dump inert and to recover valuable Vanadium at the lowest cost in the world. We also have technology to revolutionize the Vanadium industry by implementing much cheaper technology that the current state of the art).
Here working together with large consulting engineering firms that are involved with the environmental issues that mines face, could be a huge opportunity.
4. Acapulco Resources
We are currently involved with setting up small scale gold mines in Africa, a Tin project a large gold recovery project from mine slimes dams and a Ferro chrome project is also on the cards.
The opportunity here are for international companies that wish to invest in South Africa, but that need a BEE partner (RSA law requires this) we can ensure that the new company will qualify for this, but over and above this it will not be a senseless exercise of giving some of the equity away for BEE compliance.
Because of our technical ability we can physically contribute in all aspects of the business. Their skills lie in the following areas:
1. Metallurgy ( design, operations management, project management)
2. Mining – Mine planning, we have mining engineer as one of the partners with many years of mine financing and operational experience.
3. Business modelling (as per Feza)
4. Legal – we have an attorney with many years applicable experience in the mining industry.
5. Finance/business modelling.
6. Financially strong partners (3 Indian partners with extensive business experience and assets).
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From our Partners
Hi-tech New Zealand
Entries are still open for the 2012 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards. This is an opportunity to get your business in front of the biggest names in global technology. High profile international judges this year include Peter Thiel, the first investor in Facebook and the founder of PayPal, and Craig Nevill-Manning, Engineering Director for Google.
HP is pleased to support the New Zealand Hi-Tech Trust, which was established in 1993 to advance the growth and success of New Zealand's hi-tech industries through awards and educational programmes.
Entries for this year’s awards close at 5pm, Monday, 5 March 2012. Enter online at www.hitech.org.nz
Entering also gives you the opportunity to take part in three outstanding events:
- The Entrants cocktail events (to announce finalists) held simultaneously in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on 22 March 2012.
- The Gala Awards Dinner, at the SkyCity Ballroom in Auckland on 11 May 2012.
- And the exclusive NZ Hi-Tech Awards Alumni Event for entrants from 2011 and 2012 only. You have to enter to be invited to this event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to put your business in the spotlight!
HP brings WOW to more New Zealanders than ever before
HP has supported the iconic World of WearableArt™ since 2005 and is now helping to showcase and bring to life Off the Wall, a touring exhibition of 30 of the very best garments from WOW’s historic collection.
Utilising HP’s technology partnership with WOW, this national exhibition presents an innovative and interactive visitor experience. Showing at the Canterbury Museum until the 18th of March, the exhibition will then travel to Invercargill, Dunedin, Rotorua, Hamilton and Palmerston North until 2013, making the show accessible to more than 350,000 visitors throughout New Zealand.
“An online education resource has also been developed for schools,” says Melissa Fincham, HP’s Education Programme Manager. “We are really excited to support WOW and the Ministry of Education’s efforts to help inspire and encourage creativity in young New Zealanders.”
For further information and exhibition dates, please visit here>
Startup Weekend in New Zealand and Microsoft BizSpark Support
Microsoft provides great business value to young technology companies around the world through the Microsoft BizSpark program. At no cost, the program provides a wide range of Microsoft technology, technical and business expertise, and raised market visibility. Microsoft BizSpark celebrated its third anniversary in December. Since inception in 2008, the program has expanded to help more than 45,000 startups in 100 countries.
The Microsoft BizSpark program has been a proud supporter of Startup Weekend from the early days. Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them. Startup Weekends are specifically designed for entrepreneurs interested in receiving feedback on an idea, looking for a co-founder, or who want to learn a new skill. Anyone looking to test the entrepreneurial waters is also welcome.
Microsoft BizSpark are delighted to support Startup Weekend in New Zealand, fostering innovation and strengthening the local technology ecosystem. Our involvement ranges from the global sponsorship to local hands-on engagement. We were there for the Wellington Startup Weekend in November 2011, and will be providing even stronger support to the upcoming Christchurch Startup Weekend, happening on 24-26 February 2012. Startup Weekend worldwide CEO Marc Nager will be attending, so come along and meet Mark and the BizSpark team during the weekend.”
Leadership finalists in 2012 NZ International Business Awards named
Monday16 January 2012
Eight business leaders who are blazing a trail for New Zealand in global markets are finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.
The leadership contenders for 2012 have been involved with a broad range of internationalising businesses, including a skincare company, fruit sorting equipment manufacturer, plastics extrusion firm, and developer of pharmaceutical products.
Winners of the two leadership categories will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 21 March. The leadership categories are supported by KPMG and are part of a broader awards programme run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp said it was important to recognise the role great leadership played in the international success of New Zealand’s companies.
Read more>
NZBusiness Magazine Special for ICEHOUSE Family
NZBusiness Magazine: Subscribe for 2 years (22 issues) for the price of 1 year - $75.00.
NZ Export & Trade Handbook – Newly Updated for 2012 pay only $20 (rrp $40) SAVE 50%
To take advantage of these great offers please click on the links below:
NZBusiness magazine…... A vital resource for business owners who want to stay resilient in the current challenging economic environment. Its content is informative, educational and inspirational. Subscribe today to the owner manager’s magazine. Supporting Kiwi Businesses for more than 70 years! Only $75 for a 2 year subscription at www.nzbusiness.co.nz/subsicehouse
The 2012 NZ Export & Trade Handbook Save 50% only $20…… The book that backs our export drive and continues to be a vital reference guide for Kiwi exporters and importers. Completely revised and updated the 2012 NZ Export and Trade Handbook is the essential checklist when planning to break into overseas markets. Purchase online at www.exportandtrade.co.nz/suboffericehouse
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