At Business South, our Callaghan Innovation team has access to a range of support and grants suitable for all stages of the business lifecycle.

Congrats to Education Perfect who were named as one of the top three companies recognised in the Callaghan Innovation - Sir Paul Callaghan 100 report. This report celebrates companies that have become the world-leading, world-bettering, innovative businesses that Sir Paul envisioned, who could "turn this country around” - into a high-wage, high-tech, high-value economy. 

At Business South, our Callaghan Innovation team has access to a range of supports and grants suitable for all stages of the business lifecycle. 

We are proud to announce the latest investment from Sprout Agritech in POP|Daily Canine Health, a company dedicated to redefining pet wellness with science-backed superfoods.\

Thanks to Callaghan Innovations Deep Tech Incubator program, POP has been able to access the funding needed to bring their vision to life. 

The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system, with the intention of improving efficiency and consistency across the country.  

Congratulations to the winners of the YES Otago Finals; Second Harvest Sips. 

Young Enterprise (YES) is a program where students set up and run a real business. Each YES company creates its own product or service and brings it to market. Secondary students in years 12 and 13 can participate in this program. Business South is happy to support this initiative.

The Wāhine Connection - an event by women for women. It's focused on connecting women from all walks of life. To empower us, build our skills be it in business, wellbeing or our community. This event in Dunedin will host Katherine Rich (CEO Business NZ), Associate Professor Moana Theodore (Director Dunedin Study) and Sara Munro (Fashion Designer).

Bubbles and nibbles included at the fabulous Fable Hotel including lucky prize draws from Noel Leeming, Air NZ, Fable, Bellissima Hair and much more! 

Nominations are now open for four positions on the Board of Business South Incorporated.

Business South is going from strength to strength, and we are now embarking on a growth phase for our organisation.  This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation, driving support and advocacy for businesses across Otago and Southland.

The complexity of the Holidays Act 2003 has been loudly trumpeted for many years amongst practitioners in the legal, human resources, and payroll spaces. A taskforce was set up in 2018 to simplify the Act and in 2020, the government endorsed all recommendations.  The current government is set to review and enact the changes albeit modified reflecting the current governments priorities.

Due to the complexity, we will provide a rolling review of the types of changes that have been talked about, but not yet enacted into legislation. 

New Zealand and the UAE have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement following the launch of negotiations on May 7th of this year. The agreement will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region.

Contracting is the preferred method of working for many New Zealanders, says EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald.

"Whether people are operating in the gig economy or transitioning between jobs, contracting can offer flexibility, variety, better pay, opportunities at upskilling and work experience," says McDonald.

Mike Collins (CEO at Business South) is part of the Central City Safety Advisory Group to help advocate for a safe city centre. The group has representatives from the DCC, Police, Otago Regional Council, the Principals Association, Business South, mana whenua, Pacific Trust Otago and youth representatives.

We will be posting regular updates on what is being discussed in this group