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
Webinar: Unlock the Value of Experience with Capable NZ
Your organisation may already have the skills and expertise it needs to grow. This webinar e...
Dunedin August BA5 co-hosted by Otago Polytechnic and Innovation Activator
Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking with fellow business professionals over drinks and nibbles ...
Webinar: AI for small business, with Minister Cameron Brewer
We are delighted to welcome Hon Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, to...
Meet the Candidates - Cromwell
'With the 2026 General Election approaching, Business South in association with Elevate Central' ...
Waitaki September Business After 5 hosted by Road Metals
Join the Road Metals team for a relaxed evening of networking with fellow business professionals ...
Wāhine Connection - Connect with other like-minded wāhine, gain valuable insights, and enjoy drinks and nibbles🥂🎁
Hear from our inspiring speakers: Mayor Sophie Barker and Trish Oakley (Chancellor of the Univers...
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Monte Christo Winery
We invite you to join our team for an evening of wine and connection as we welcome you to our Cly...
Dunedin September BA5 hosted by Anderson Lloyd
Join Anderson Lloyd for an evening of networking and connection with fellow business leaders and ...
Business South Charity Golf Day in support of Abbeyfield Alexandra
⛳ Tee off for something that matters A day of golf, good company and shared purpose, all for a c...
Accelerate South Conference - Dunedin
Accelerate South is the South's must-attend conference! Join Dame Valerie Adams, Sir Ia...
Webinar: Unlock the Value of Experience with Capable NZ
26 Aug 2026
Your organisation may already have the skills and expertise it needs to grow. This webinar explores how workplace knowledge gained through years of practice can be recognised through formal qualifications.
Dunedin August BA5 co-hosted by Otago Polytechnic and Innovation Activator
27 Aug 2026
Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking with fellow business professionals over drinks and nibbles while hearing from Otago Polytechnic and The Innovation Activator.
Webinar: AI for small business, with Minister Cameron Brewer
02 Sep 2026
We are delighted to welcome Hon Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, to a special Wednesday Matters webinar on the Government's AI Advisory Pilot.
Meet the Candidates - Cromwell
08 Sep 2026
'With the 2026 General Election approaching, Business South in association with Elevate Central' is bringing candidates from the Waitaki and Southland electorates together for an evening of open discussion.
Auditorium,Te Puna Mahara – Cromwell Memorial Events Centre, 36 Melmore Terrace, Heritage Precinct, Cromwell
Waitaki September Business After 5 hosted by Road Metals
15 Sep 2026
Join the Road Metals team for a relaxed evening of networking with fellow business professionals over drinks and nibbles.
Wāhine Connection - Connect with other like-minded wāhine, gain valuable insights, and enjoy drinks and nibbles🥂🎁
22 Sep 2026
Hear from our inspiring speakers: Mayor Sophie Barker and Trish Oakley (Chancellor of the University of Otago). Don't miss this empowering evening of connection and growth!
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Monte Christo Winery
24 Sep 2026
We invite you to join our team for an evening of wine and connection as we welcome you to our Clyde estate. Enjoy a selection of estate-grown wines and seasonal bites while discovering the experiences, event spaces and hospitality that make Monte Christo Winery a destination to return too.
Dunedin September BA5 hosted by Anderson Lloyd
24 Sep 2026
Join Anderson Lloyd for an evening of networking and connection with fellow business leaders and professionals.
Enjoy the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, make new connections, and hear from Anderson Lloyd partners about the people, history and expertise behind the firm.
The evening will include food and refreshments showcasing some of the best of Otago, along with the chance to win a selection of goodies from local businesses.
Business South Charity Golf Day in support of Abbeyfield Alexandra
25 Sep 2026
⛳ Tee off for something that matters
A day of golf, good company and shared purpose, all for a cause close to home.
Accelerate South Conference - Dunedin
09 Oct 2026
Accelerate South is the South's must-attend conference! Join Dame Valerie Adams, Sir Ian Taylor, Katherine Rich, Amy Scott, an expert AI panel and more inspiring speakers, for a full day of inspiration, insight, and connection. More information here.
Early bird prices until Monday 31 August. Book now!
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.