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Regional Business Partners

Looking to start, grow or develop your business?

We’ll connect you with the right people, information and resources to support your next steps.

Otago Regional Business Partners is one of the 14 regional growth agencies that make up the Regional Business Partner Network.

As our name suggests, we service the Otago region, and our contract is held by Business South Inc.

It is our goal to be the one-stop shop for small to medium Otago businesses to connect to the right advice, the right people, and the right resources. Working together, we want to help your business survive, revive, and thrive.

This is what we are good at.

Funding and Grants

Access the financial support you need to help your business prosper.

Meaningful Connections

The voice of southern business

Our Region

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

Home

Business South is your Southern business association. Learn about the range of services, supports, training and networking opportunities we provide.

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.

Business Success

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 1,400 members throughout Otago and Southland, we work closely with a diverse range of organisations and sectors to bring specialist value to business.

Contribute to valuable business data gathering

Business Advocacy

We are proud to be the voice of business in the south and to represent business interests locally, regionally and nationally.

Our People

With expertise in all areas of business, the Business South team can provide the advice and support you need to succeed.

The Grand Business South Awards

The Grand Business South Awards have been a highlight of the Southern region's business calendar for over 24 years. 

Due to the unprecedented success of our 2022 Awards we have decided to celebrate our region's businesses again in 2023.

To accommodate the overwhelming demand we experienced for table bookings in 2022, we are inviting registrations of interest now. 

Please click the link below and be kept informed about the The Grand Business South Awards 2023!

News

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

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.

Maximise your membership

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

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.

Regional Business Partner Profile: Addstaff Ltd

Celebrating business excellence in style

Medium Business

Mid-sized businesses are renowned for longevity, stability and strong growth performance, making a considerable contribution to the local, regional and national economies.

Health and Safety Support

Providing a safe and healthy work environment benefits your business, increasing productivity and performance, and protecting you and your workforce.

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.

Business Mentors

Prepare for future success with one of our experienced business mentors.

As an agent for Business Mentors New Zealand, we can connect you with a mentor to help you and your small business to build the skills and perspective for future success. 

 A business mentor would be a great option for you if:

• you are motivated and determined to grow your business
• you are willing to listen and receive constructive feedback related to you and your business
• you can commit to the mentoring relationship, working proactively to ensure tasks are achieved in a timely manner with open and honest communication.

For Trades

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

Strengthening trans-Tasman connections

Sustainability…. ready steady go!

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.

Employment Relations

We are proud to have partnered with the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) in Auckland to provide top-quality legal advice on employment-related issues from compliance, restructuring and redundancy to employment relationships, personal grievances and workplace accidents.

High Performance

NZ Income Insurance Scheme

The New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme would offer financial support to workers who are made redundant through no fault of their own, or lose their jobs due to health conditions or disabilities, providing them with 80% of their income for up to seven months.

While Business South welcomes a number of aspects of the proposal, there are some concerning implications for business as it currently stands.

A Sustainability Yarn

Management Capability Fund

If you operate an Otago business, you could be eligible for up to 50% of the cost of management coaching and training services. 

Our Business Growth Advisors will work with you to identify areas where your business could benefit from management capability training. Then, they’ll connect you with the right services.

Register with the Regional Business Partner Network and one of our Growth Advisors will contact you to confirm your eligibility.

Youth Opportunities

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

AdviceLine

AdviceLine provides all the legal and professional advice you need to know.

This members-only service allows you unlimited call access to support you through a full range of employment-related questions and concerns.

Call us anytime during business hours – Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm

A Summary of Some Historical Points in the Chamber History

Research and Development

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

Whether you’re an established business or a fresh entrepreneur, this support could help you add scale and depth to get ahead on research and development.

Business South is your first point of contact in Otago to connect with a range of information, services and funding from Callaghan Innovation to support your business innovation journey. 

Register with the Regional Business Partner Network to talk with one of our Innovation Specialists.

Exportation Support

Export documentation can be complex – but we’ll help you simplify it.

The Otago Chamber of Commerce is an affiliated member of the International Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin Accreditation Chain. 

We supply Chamber-certified Certificates of Origin which provide import authorities and buyers with trusted assurance of origin.

Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you with your export needs.

Otago Polytechnic

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.