
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

Central Otago BA5: Hosted by BDO
BDO Southern Lakes & Central Otago proudly presents an evening of gourmet experiences and busines...

Dunedin October BA5 co-hosted by Abbott Insurance and Optimus Systems
Abbott Insurance Brokers and Optimus Systems are joining forces to deliver a BA5 with a particula...

Innovation for Industry
Discover how research can drive growth and innovation for your busines and make valuable connecti...

Manufacturing and Engineering Tour Series at Scott Technology
Join us at the next MET (Manufacturing and Engineering Tour) with Scott Technology. You&rsqu...

Westpac Smarts 2025 Series: Insights from the Chief Economist & Industry Economist
Get the latest insights into New Zealand’s economy and markets from Westpac’s Chief E...

The Grand Business South Awards 2025
Join us at The Grand Business South Awards 2025 Gala Dinner to celebrate the remarkable achieveme...

Wāhine Connection - An event for and by women 🥂
Save the date for our next inspiring Wāhine Connection event! Venue and speakers to be announced ...

Dunedin November BA5 co-hosted by NZ Masters Games Dunedin and Otago Cricket
Update coming soon. Last BA5 for 2025. If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and a...

Dunedin February BA5 hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum
Update coming soon. If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and are not a member of Bus...

Central Otago BA5: Hosted by BDO
16 Oct 2025
BDO Southern Lakes & Central Otago proudly presents an evening of gourmet experiences and business revelations at The Finery – Alexandra's exquisite new fine dining destination!

Dunedin October BA5 co-hosted by Abbott Insurance and Optimus Systems
30 Oct 2025
Abbott Insurance Brokers and Optimus Systems are joining forces to deliver a BA5 with a particular focus on Cyber Risk including an overview of Cyber Insurance, real life stories and mitigation strategies.

Innovation for Industry
06 Nov 2025
Discover how research can drive growth and innovation for your busines and make valuable connections while you’re at it. Join us for an evening of insights, a panel discussion, and networking over drinks with the University of Otago, local business leaders, and government representatives.

Manufacturing and Engineering Tour Series at Scott Technology
12 Nov 2025
Join us at the next MET (Manufacturing and Engineering Tour) with Scott Technology. You’ll see cutting-edge technology in operation and gain valuable insights into R&D funding opportunities.

Westpac Smarts 2025 Series: Insights from the Chief Economist & Industry Economist
18 Nov 2025
Get the latest insights into New Zealand’s economy and markets from Westpac’s Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold and Market Strategist Imre Speizer. Hear expert analysis on the trends shaping business confidence and the outlook ahead.

The Grand Business South Awards 2025
20 Nov 2025
Join us at The Grand Business South Awards 2025 Gala Dinner to celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses in our region. You will enjoy a memorable evening of world class entertainment, as well as a menu that will showcase outstanding food and wine sourced from our region’s very best suppliers.

Wāhine Connection - An event for and by women 🥂
25 Nov 2025
Save the date for our next inspiring Wāhine Connection event! Venue and speakers to be announced soon.
Don't miss this empowering evening of connection and growth!

Dunedin November BA5 co-hosted by NZ Masters Games Dunedin and Otago Cricket
27 Nov 2025
Update coming soon.
Last BA5 for 2025.
If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and are not a member of Business South please contact James Bracewell james.bracewell@business-south.org.nz

Dunedin February BA5 hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum
26 Feb 2026
Update coming soon.
If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and are not a member of Business South please contact John Cooper john.cooper@business-south.org.nz

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.