Results

Research and Development

Access a range of supports and grants suitable for all stages of the business lifecycle below. 

2023 Budget Update

Our Story

Business South is a voice for business, fostering a strong regional economy and a thriving business sector.

A strong business community contributes to the health and wellbeing of our local communities and ensures a sustainable, prosperous future.

Watch the video below to learn more about the goals and values we live, operate and measure ourselves by, as we work to achieve our vision of creating a thriving business environment that benefits the whole region.

Contribute to valuable business data gathering

Our Region

Otago and Southland form the heartland of New Zealand, representing some of the best and brightest business this country has to offer.

Advocating for immigration changes

STEM with Leonardo Helicopters

SOREC and Leonardo Helicopters running STEM sessions for schools in Otago

Business Advocacy

We are proud to be the voice of over 1,300 businesses in the south and to represent business interests in government, locally and nationally.

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.  

Oritain Global named Supreme Grand Business of the Year

Cross-party consensus has been achieved on climate adaptation

Exports Crucial to NZ Economy: ExportNZ Pre-Election Report Released

Go Global 2022

Smoking Legislation

New partnership with Waitaki District Council

Wahine Connection - 24 October

Meaningful Connections

Preens Partner with ECCA to Continue to Reduce Emissions

Innovation funding available now

Fair Pay Agreements come into effect

Securing success through adversity

Incorporated Societies Act Seminars

Strengthening trans-Tasman connections

The voice of southern business

Employment Law & HR Support

We are proud to have partnered with the best in the business for our Employment Relations suite. 

Members can contact our team for support with general legal queries, and we'll connect you with legal firm of your choice, offering preferential rates for Business South members. 

HR issues are handled by our accredited service delivery partner, Logan HR - a trusted local team of professional Human Resource consultants offering advice that is clear, concise and solutions-based. New members receive a 60-minute free consultation, with preferential member rates.

Call us on 0508 656 757 for any questions or concerns about your business we offer a wide suite of services to help with your legal or HR needs. 

Introducing our new Innovation Navigator

Homestay Hosts Needed

New Business Payment Practices disclosure regime

Introducing our new Business Navigator in Central

3 Steps To Developing a Business Continuity Plan

Business Payment Practices disclosure scheme update

Sharing sustainability successes

Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results: May 2023

Large Business

Large corporations are major employers and contribute significantly to local and national economies. They thrive through investing in people, innovation, assets and growth opportunities.

News

Keep up-to-date with the latest business news, industry developments, successes, submissions and media releases.

Business Health Check Launches

Business Health Check self assessment tool

Accelerate your business with the healthcheck

Callaghan Innovations Role in POP's Journey

Tiaki Bees benefits from Management Capability Funding

Fair Pay Agreements legislation passes

Resource Management Act reforms

Finalists announced for The Grand Business South Awards 2022

Tourism funding support for Queenstown

Dunedin Golf Tournament: Scores and Prizes

Our Services

Representing, supporting and empowering the Southern business community.

Business New Zealand

We’re proud to be part of Aotearoa’s largest business organisation promoting sustainable growth through free enterprise.

Four large regional organisations of member businesses form the BusinessNZ network, including Business South. Together, we cover the whole country.

Sustainability

A commitment to sustainability minimises harm to communities and the natural environment – it also increases business resilience and innovation, and can give you a competitive edge.

Applications to Initiate Bargaining for an FPA

Building and Construction Changes Ahead

New HR Advisory Service Exclusively Available to Members

September Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results

Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results September 2023

Spring '23: Regional HR Update

Small Business

Small businesses are creative, innovative and dynamic, and are key drivers of economic growth. In fact, small enterprise is often referred to as the ‘engine room of growth’.

Did you know…

Small enterprises represent over 97% of New Zealand firms, and more than half of all Business South members.

Presenting the Business South Phone App

2degrees joins as an Enterprise Partner

Discussions with Hon. Andrew Bayly, Minister for Manufacturing and Small Business

What the 2024/25 Budget means for our region

Incorporated Societies Act - Regulations Update Recording

Saving our Standards

Business Strategy and Growth

Looking to start, grow or develop your business?

As a local Regional Business Partner we are able to help you accelerate your business towards the best it can be. Either through knowledge, connections, or subsided training opportunity and funding.

As part of the wider regional business Partners Network (part of 14 other growth agencies) we can provide you with the support you need.

Our advisors are here for you and can meet you for a free business assessment which will look at your business, identify the next steps and come up with an action plan to grow your business, because every business should have the best chance of being the best it can be.

Letter from the BSCO Chair

Membership Information

Business South membership grants you free or discounted access to a range of quality resources, supports, events and opportunities – all designed to support your success.

With more than 1,300 members throughout Otago and Southland, we work closely with a diverse range of organisations and sectors to bring specialist value to business.

Greater clarity around contractors

New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE

Become a Food Rescue Champion

Resource Management Reform

One Good Kiwi Initiative - Vote for YES!

Abalro Nominated for YES Alumni Awards - Voting Open

Central Otago Golf Tournament 2023

A Sustainability Yarn

Regional Business Case Study: Arrowtown Motel Apartments

Youth Opportunities

Explore career opportunities and gain the experience and information you need to make decisions about your future, whether in employment or training. 

Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results: February 2023

Regional Business Partner Case Study: Addstaff Ltd

A Summary of Some Historical Points in the Chamber History

For Trades

Supporting young people to pursue their vocational ambitions and providing the business community with the next generation of talent.

NZ CCI

Business South belongs to a network of 30 Chambers of Commerce nationwide, providing a voice for business and opportunities for growth.

New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 47, Auckland 1140

Fair Pay Agreements

The Government has recently passed the Fair Pay Agreements legislation. The introduction of FPAs is one of the most significant changes to New Zealand’s employment relations system.

Plastic Phase Out: Guidance for Sellers and Manufacturers on Products Now Banned

Plastic is one of our greatest environmental challenges. It regularly ends up as waste in our landfills, our moana and whenua. Difficult to recycle packaging and products can interfere with our recycling systems and are often used only once before being disposed.

Pathways Hub

Attracting and retaining staff is one the biggest challenges facing businesses in our region (and across Aotearoa).

Our Pathways Hub is a one-stop-shop for the services and support you need to grow your workforce.