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
Wednesday Matters Webinar: Employment Dispute System
MBIE is consulting on the employment dispute system and wants to hear from businesses. Join this ...
Powering Regional Growth Through Infrastructure
Join Infrastructure Commission CEO Geoff Cooper alongside a panel of leading voices from construc...
2degrees 2026 Shaping Business Study - A regional briefing and key insights from the Chief Business Officer
Join us for a free breakfast session as we unpack the latest findings from the 2degrees 2026 Shap...
An Evening of Networking, Industry Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Access with NZTE
Join Sir Ian Taylor, NZTE, and fellow exporters for an unmissable evening. Includes a behind-the-...
Central Otago BA5 co-hosted by Skills Trades Training and Mclellan's Plumbing & Heating
Join us at the BA5, proudly co-hosted by Skills Trades Training and Mclellan's Plumbing & He...
Dunedin June BA5 Co-hosted by Regus Dunedin and NZME
Join us for a Business After 5 hosted by Regus Dunedin and NZME, two businesses shaping how we wo...
Waitaki BA5 - hosted by Topflite
Join us for a Business After 5 hosted by the Topflite team for an evening of connection, conversa...
Learn about mental health medication management in the workplace
Short description: Psychiatric medication management is one of the most overlooked challenges in...
Accelerate South Conference
Accelerate South is the South's must-attend conference, bringing together professionals, entrepre...
Wednesday Matters Webinar: Employment Dispute System
10 Jun 2026
MBIE is consulting on the employment dispute system and wants to hear from businesses. Join this informal online session to learn about the consultation, share your experiences, and ask questions directly of the MBIE policy team. Submissions close 31 July 2026.
Powering Regional Growth Through Infrastructure
10 Jun 2026
Join Infrastructure Commission CEO Geoff Cooper alongside a panel of leading voices from construction, infrastructure and the business community locally and nationally. This will be an open and engaging conversation about how the National Infrastructure Plan, regional leadership and major projects can come together to unlock growth, productivity and build reliant communities in the lower South Island.
2degrees 2026 Shaping Business Study - A regional briefing and key insights from the Chief Business Officer
11 Jun 2026
Join us for a free breakfast session as we unpack the latest findings from the 2degrees 2026 Shaping Business Study with Chief Business Officer - Andrew Fairgray, Business South CEO, Mike Collins and Forsyth Barr Senior Investment Adviser, John Gallaher.
Free to attend. Limited seats. Register now.
An Evening of Networking, Industry Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Access with NZTE
17 Jun 2026
Join Sir Ian Taylor, NZTE, and fellow exporters for an unmissable evening. Includes a behind-the-scenes tour of Southern Clams, expert insights on cracking the US market, and the connections that could change your business trajectory.
Central Otago BA5 co-hosted by Skills Trades Training and Mclellan's Plumbing & Heating
18 Jun 2026
Join us at the BA5, proudly co-hosted by Skills Trades Training and Mclellan's Plumbing & Heating.
Dunedin June BA5 Co-hosted by Regus Dunedin and NZME
25 Jun 2026
Join us for a Business After 5 hosted by Regus Dunedin and NZME, two businesses shaping how we work and connect across Aotearoa.
Waitaki BA5 - hosted by Topflite
30 Jun 2026
Join us for a Business After 5 hosted by the Topflite team for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration of their 50-year anniversary.
Learn about mental health medication management in the workplace
02 Jul 2026
Short description:
Psychiatric medication management is one of the most overlooked challenges in workplace wellbeing. Hear directly from the clinical team behind New Zealand's leading dedicated Deprescribing and Tapering Clinical Service.
Accelerate South Conference
09 Oct 2026
Accelerate South is the South's must-attend conference, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and curious minds for a full day of inspiration, insight, and connection. First two speakers just announced are Dame Valerie Adams and Sir Ian Taylor.
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.
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 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.
Quarterly Southern Business Survey Results: May 2023
The results for our Quarterly Southern Business Confidence Survey (May 2023) reveal business expectations of the strength of the Southern economy continue to improve, however increased cost pressures, labour market constraints and compliance requirements remain as barriers to growth and productivity for businesses.