Business South Endorsed
A mark of trust for Southern businesses
It signals that your business is credible, professional, and recognised for doing things the right way. In a crowded and competitive market, endorsement helps your business stand out, giving customers confidence that they’re choosing a business they can rely on.
Backed by an independent, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for Otago and Southland businesses, Business South Endorsed strengthens your reputation, supports your brand, and helps build trust where it matters most.
What does Business South Endorsed matters
Customers want reassurance when deciding who to work with. They want to know a business is reputable, capable, and aligned with good business practices.
The Business South Endorsed mark helps answer those questions. It shows your business has been recognised by Business South as a trusted provider, adding an extra layer of confidence for customers, partners, and other businesses.
Endorsement is not about ticking boxes. It’s about recognising businesses that demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to delivering value.
What endorsement means for your business
Being Business South Endorsed helps strengthen your brand and set you apart in a crowded marketplace. It reinforces your credibility, supports customer trust, and helps position your business as a reliable choice.
Endorsed businesses also benefit from increased visibility through Business South channels, connecting you with a wider network and strengthening your presence within the Southern business community.
At its core, endorsement is about backing good businesses and helping them be recognised for the way they operate.
What you get as a Business South Endorsed business
When you become Business South Endorsed, you receive a set of practical tools to help you confidently promote your endorsed status and build trust with customers.
You’ll be provided with a Certificate to display in your workplace, along with a Business South Endorsed decal for your shopfront, office, or reception area. Together, these provide a clear, visible signal that your business is recognised and trusted.
You’ll also receive a digital badge to use across your website, email signatures, proposals, and social media, helping you consistently showcase your endorsement wherever your business appears.
Beyond the assets, endorsement connects your business to the wider Business South community. From time to time, endorsed businesses may be highlighted through Business South activity or invited to be involved in initiatives that support the Southern business community, where appropriate.
Business South Endorsed is about more than recognition, it’s an ongoing connection that supports your credibility, visibility, and reputation.
Being Business South Endorsed means your business has been recognised by Business South as credible and trustworthy. It signals professionalism and reliability to customers and the wider business community.
Endorsement helps build trust, strengthen your reputation, and differentiate your business. It gives customers confidence and supports your brand with independent recognition.
Endorsement is designed for any business operating in Otago and Southland that value trust, reputation, and long-term relationships.
Business South Endorsed is granted for a 12-month period. At the end of each year, businesses have the opportunity to renew their endorsement, subject to continued alignment with Business South values and expectations.
This annual renewal helps ensure the endorsement remains current, credible, and trusted.
The process begins with a conversation with a Business South Navigator to understand your business and talk through whether endorsement is right for you, the process also involves a survey looking at your business.
Any costs, if applicable, are discussed openly as part of the conversation so you can make an informed decision.
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
