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    Business Owner Programme

    A practical academy where ambitious business owners will learn new business skills, connect with fellow owners, and redesign their business for the future.

    Criteria

    NZ business owners
    $1M - $3M turnover

    Time

    3 Days
    Over 3 months

    Format

    Group sessions
    In-person

    Investment

    $6,295 + GST
    Support available

    Programme Overview

    The Icehouse Business Owner Programme provides a unique learning environment for owners of Kiwi businesses, where you'll develop the tools, support, and connections to drive progress and create a better business.

    • Deciding where your business will operate and how you will win in the future
    • Driving growth from the top - Leadership, Mindset & Resilience
    • Building a high-performing team and culture in your business
    • Transforming how your business wins sales and why customers choose you
    • Generating growth through digital/social media channels
    • Understanding of accounting and finance principles
    • Build a Business Growth Plan to keep you focussed

    The programme consists of three 1-day workshops occurring monthly, with the option to meet with an Icehouse business coach for a focussed one-on-one session to boost the progress of your business growth Plan.

     

    The workshops are in-person, group sessions where interaction and learning from one another is strongly encouraged.

     

    You'll begin the programme by completing Centigrade™ online to learn about the strengths and opportunities for growth in your business.

    On each Business Owner Programme, an experienced facilitator guides the learning experience and provides a good mix of academic and practical expertise.

    You'll be joined by a small group of other business owners at a similar stage in their journey as you. Our programmes are not industry or region specific, so the room will be an interesting mix of people from different backgrounds and operating in different industries.

    What will you get from joining this programme?

    Action Planning

    An actionable plan that will focus on your business strategy

    Network Of Support

    Accountability and support from the other owners you're with

    Effective Leadership Skills

    New skills, frameworks and tools to become a more effective leader

    Steps In The Right Direction

    A broader outlook, and a clear sense of direction and goals

    Practical Learning Environment

    A unique learning environment that enables implementation of skills into your business

    1-on-1 Coaching Support

    Support to implement the learnings from the programme into your business

    Upcoming Dates

    The Business Owner Programmes listed below are delivered by Icehouse in partnership with local chambers and economic development agencies:

    Day 1: Tuesday 19 August, 2025

    Day 2: Tuesday 16 September, 2025

    Day 3: Tuesday 14 October, 2025

    In partnership with Business South.

    Day 1: Tuesday 9 September, 2025

    Day 2: Tuesday 7 October, 2025

    Day 3: Tuesday 4 November, 2025

    Click here to learn more & book this programme on the Business South website.

    Don't see a location that works best for you?

    We're always looking to bring our workshops to new regions where there is demand!

    Register your interest and if there's enough demand in your preferred location we'll be in touch.

    "My real area of growth has always been around numbers; growth and projection, sales processes and so on.

    The Business Owner Programme was around having a process that allows you to discuss where the growth needs to come in that process – that was a really powerful one."


    Ray Everest
    Owner of Future Focus
    Business Owner Programme Alumni
    Read Ray's Story

    Meet the Facilitation Team

    Jamie Brock

    Jamie Brock

    Programme Director
    Michaela Vodanovich

    Michaela Vodanovich

    Programme Director

    Don't just take our word for it...

    "It was good being able to sit with a group of other business owners. Whether it’s staff or work or whatever, you've all gone through the same thing at different times. Being able to talk to other business owners in a safe environment… you can be pretty open and honest about what you’re doing."

    Nathan Hall

    Managing Director of Chemwash Rotorua & Hamilton

    "Before the Business Owner Programme, I saw us as doing a little bit of everything, but the danger is that you end up as just another landscaping business.

    So we’re refocusing on what we’re really good at."

     

    Aaron Harvey

    Operations Manager of Rapid Lawn

    "Previously, sales have been an issue for me. I’d never really given salespeople credit for what they do. Since BOP, I see them in a new light as I have to be in the office to drive the business from a sales perspective."

     

    Neil Callaghan

    Owner-Manager of Automated Truck Body Solutions

    "It was good being able to sit with a group of other business owners. Whether it’s staff or work or whatever, you've all gone through the same thing at different times. Being able to talk to other business owners in a safe environment… you can be pretty open and honest about what you’re doing."

    Nathan Hall

    Managing Director of Chemwash Rotorua & Hamilton

    "Before the Business Owner Programme, I saw us as doing a little bit of everything, but the danger is that you end up as just another landscaping business.

    So we’re refocusing on what we’re really good at."

     

    Aaron Harvey

    Operations Manager of Rapid Lawn

    "Previously, sales have been an issue for me. I’d never really given salespeople credit for what they do. Since BOP, I see them in a new light as I have to be in the office to drive the business from a sales perspective."

     

    Neil Callaghan

    Owner-Manager of Automated Truck Body Solutions

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are regularly offered by our partners like BNZ, friends and alumni. Ask us what might be available!

     

    Payment Plans

    We may be able to offer flexible payment plans to make it easier for your business to access our programmes and invest in your growth.

    Funding

    Management Capability Development funding may be available through your Regional Business Partner. To explore if your business is eligible for support, please contact your Regional Business Growth Advisor directly. Please email us for an introduction.