Welcome to Business South
Connect.Navigate.Empower.Business South is your Southern Business Association.
We believe that every business should have the best chance at being the best it can be, we optimise employers' health and growth potential through a wide range of support services, training and networking opportunities for whatever stage they are at and advocate for businesses with decision-makers in local and central government.
Business South is plugged-in, live and connected. Put simply, we're the region's go-to people around ways to accelerate business growth.
Business Health Check
How healthy is your business?
Do our FREE Health Check - designed to give you a read on the fundamental areas of your business, and identify areas that might need some more attention.
Part of a wider community
Stronger Together
When you join Business South, you also become part of an expansive national business network with expertise in all areas of business.
As a collective, our voices are amplified. We engage directly with decision-makers, meeting regularly with the Prime Minister, Government Ministers, MPs and other officials to champion your interests and to stay ahead of developments that affect business.
Phone App
Download the Business South phone app to get access to local discounts and hear about the latest updates!
Members App
Business Health Check
Fine-tune your business with this quick and easy online and FREE assessment.
How healthy is your business?
Business Advocacy
We are your voice. We are here for businesses to share your insights (what keeps you awake at night) so we can advocate for you to minimise barriers, ideally before they arise. By activating your voice Business South advocates your business issues with decision-makers in local and central government.
Business Advocacyof businesses believe their region is focusing on the right kinds of projects and initiatives to ensure a vibrant and sustainable business community.
of businesses are clear what their region will be known for in 10 years' time.
of businesses believe there is a clear vision and aspiration for their region that is well articulated and understood.
Who are you?
At Business South, we support a wide array of organisations, people and communities.
Select one to be directed to relevant services:
Who are you?
At Business South, we support a wide array of organisations, people and communities.
Select one to be directed to relevant services:
Testimonials
Also take a look at our other testimonials
CEO Report
This past year has been one of growth, inclusiveness, and adaptation positioning us strongly for the future.
We have continued to realign and evolve our services to meet the changing needs of our members. Business South is increasingly recognised as a trusted and impactful partner within the regions of Otago and Southland and also across the Business NZ network and beyond.
Our reputation as a modern, progressive and adaptable organisation continues to grow. This being supported by a membership base that values relevance, diversity and solutions tailored to their needs. We have moved to an industry and sector model offering packages of services that meet the needs to these businesses.
The Role of Mentorship in Shaping Smartblue Technologies’ Green Innovation
Smart Blue technologies is based right here in Otago, has been using a business mentor which has been invaluable to their business.
They are eager to pioneer advanced technologies and solutions in the green energy sector. Their overarching purpose is to accelerate emissions reduction and actively contribute to the global endeavour towards a sustainable, carbon-free future. Their vision at SMARTBLUE TECHNOLOGIES is rooted in the belief that renewable energy should be available to all for the greater good of society.
Business South Board Election 2024
There are eleven candidates standing for four places on the Business South Board.
We have contracted electionz.com, to manage this process.
The primary contact of each eligible Business South member will receive one vote and this is via a voting platform with unique Pin and Password.
Education Perfect Recognised in Sir Paul Callaghan 100 Report
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.
Callaghan Innovations Role in POP's Journey
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.
Building and Construction Changes Ahead
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.
The YES Otago Finals 2024
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.
Wahine Connection - 24 October
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!
Call for Board Nominations
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 Complexities of Calculating Leave and Holidays Act reform
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.
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
