
Small Business
Small, but mighty.
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.
How We Can Help
AdviceLine
Free for members, AdviceLine provides business and legal advice to support you with your business queries and concerns.
Learn MoreAdvocacy
Amplify your voice and be heard. We’ll engage with you to ensure your views are presented to officials and decision-makers.
Learn MoreEmployment Relations
Our in-house legal team can provide all he assistance you need to address any employment-related issues.
Learn MoreSustainability Support
Receive guidance and advice on implementing meaningful sustainability initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.
Learn MoreTraining
Access a wide range of professional development programmes to take your business to the next level – including bespoke courses for you, delivered on your turf.
Learn MoreNetworking
Mix and mingle with your peers in the local business community at our regular business and social events.
Learn MoreCommunity
Join the conversation on Trybz, our online community platform, to connect with others in the Southern business community.
Coming SoonBusiness Support
Develop your business and accelerate growth with targeted support, including grants and funding, research and development, business mentoring and much more.
Learn MoreWorkforce Development
Take the hassle out of trades and apprenticeship recruitment and let us source the workforce you need.
Learn More
It’s great to work with Business South and showcase local food products to the wider Business Community.
Grid Coffee

Upcoming Events

Using AI to maximise marketing – a webinar with Kale Panoho
Learn with live case studies from Kale Panoho

Webinar Health & Safety Reforms: The changes for business you need to know
Join us for a webinar with Business South, Business Central, Business Canterbury and MBIE regardi...

Business South Presents: Unlock the Power of AI: Save 10 hours a week in your business
Join us for this free Business South sponsored event with Stephen Johnson, Co-CEO of In...

Dunedin May BA5: Hosted by Southern Youth Development
Everything about syd is encapsulated in our middle name. We are about Youth. About Rangatahi Succ...

MINDZ IN ACTION - Full Day Conference
The MINDZ IN ACTION 2025 Conference is designed for professionals, business leaders, and decision...

Central Otago May BA5: Hosted by Custom Mortgages
Custom Mortgages are excited to invite you to our upcoming Business After 5 event, which will be ...

Dunedin BA5: Hosted by Dunedin Airport & Jetstar
Join us for this exclusive BA5 event hosted by Dunedin Airport and Jetstar, where we’re cel...

Central Otago BA5: Hosted by Santana Minerals
The highlight of the evening will be an update on the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Mine Project from Damian...

Leadership & Resilience Lessons from Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw is joining us for the Westpac Smarts. He’s captained the All Blacks in 110 ...

Using AI to maximise marketing – a webinar with Kale Panoho
17 Apr 2025
Learn with live case studies from Kale Panoho

Webinar Health & Safety Reforms: The changes for business you need to know
29 Apr 2025
Join us for a webinar with Business South, Business Central, Business Canterbury and MBIE regarding the government’s recent announcements on the health and safety reforms. In this webinar you will hear the proposed changes you need to know and next steps.

Business South Presents: Unlock the Power of AI: Save 10 hours a week in your business
30 Apr 2025
Join us for this free Business South sponsored event with Stephen Johnson, Co-CEO of Incredible.so, designed to transform the way you work using artificial intelligence. This isn’t a session about abstract AI theories—it's a hands-on guide to real-world applications that can make a tangible difference in your business. Discover how companies are saving 10+ hours per week by integrating AI into their operations, enabling them to focus on what truly matters.

Dunedin May BA5: Hosted by Southern Youth Development
01 May 2025
Everything about syd is encapsulated in our middle name. We are about Youth. About Rangatahi Success and Wellbeing. About offering employment, education, opportunities and personal development to young people 12-24 years to meet their goals for their lives in their situation. Through innovative programmes, professional support, and a team of passionate staff and volunteers, syd is about making a tangible difference for this generation, and the next.

MINDZ IN ACTION - Full Day Conference
02 May 2025
The MINDZ IN ACTION 2025 Conference is designed for professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. This full-day event will provide expert insights, strategic discussions, and practical tools to help you navigate key challenges and opportunities in business, leadership, and workplace transformation.
More information here

Central Otago May BA5: Hosted by Custom Mortgages
08 May 2025
Custom Mortgages are excited to invite you to our upcoming Business After 5 event, which will be hosted at our offices in Alexandra. This is a fantastic chance to meet our team, get the latest updates on the finance industry, and network with local businesses in the region.

Dunedin BA5: Hosted by Dunedin Airport & Jetstar
29 May 2025
Join us for this exclusive BA5 event hosted by Dunedin Airport and Jetstar, where we’re celebrating the launch of the brand-new direct, Dunedin to Gold Coast service!
Come along for an evening of fun, insights, and a chance to hear all about this exciting new route. Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches, theme parks, or exploring the vibrant Gold Coast, this is the perfect opportunity to get all the details ! Jetstar is making it easier than ever to travel between Dunedin and Australia’s stunning Gold Coast.

Central Otago BA5: Hosted by Santana Minerals
12 Jun 2025
The highlight of the evening will be an update on the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Mine Project from Damian Spring

Leadership & Resilience Lessons from Richie McCaw
24 Jun 2025
Richie McCaw is joining us for the Westpac Smarts.
He’s captained the All Blacks in 110 of his 148 Tests, twice leading them to World Cup victory. A Westpac Ambassador for over 17 years, we’re proud to bring his inspirational stories and insights to thousands of people around Aotearoa.
Join us for this free fireside chat with Richie McCaw, where he shares his experiences on leadership, resilience, and coolness under pressure to off-field endeavours.

November 2023 Quarterly Southern Business Survey
The latest findings from the Quarterly Southern Business Survey are in.

September Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results
The latest findings from the Quarterly Southern Business Survey are in.

Business Health Check Launches
Today we're excited to launch our newest service offering: the Business Health Check - Te oranga ō tō pakihi.

Homestay Hosts Needed
Study Dunedin is looking for local families who are willing to host an international student in their home and involve them in their family life and the local culture.

Exports Crucial to NZ Economy: ExportNZ Pre-Election Report Released
ExportNZ’s 2023 pre-election report sets out the state of play for the sector and invites the next government to collaborate further on the challenges facing businesses.

Abalro Nominated for YES Alumni Awards - Voting Open
Dunedin Young Enterprise Scheme 2021 finals winners, Abalro have been nominated for the Young Enterprise Scheme's Alumni Awards.

Preens Partner with ECCA to Continue to Reduce Emissions
Preens have been monitoring their carbon footprint for 10 years and has been benchmarking themselves within the Apparelmaster network. After working closely with local company Ahikā Consulting, they have put a carbon reduction plan in place.

New HR Advisory Service Exclusively Available to Members
Business South have announced their newest Accredited Service Delivery (ASD) partner Logan HR – a local team of professional Human Resource Consultants, who offer a pragmatic and commercial approach to their advice ensuring it is clear, concise and solutions-based.

Young Enterprise Scheme Student Fuelling Teenagers’ Lifestyles … and Learning
Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) student, Olivia Edmonds is embarking on an exciting entrepreneurial journey as she prepares to take her business to market.

Applications to Initiate Bargaining for an FPA
Ten applications to initiate bargaining for a Fair Pay agreement have been lodged to date.