Barista and Customers

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 v2

AdviceLine

Free for members, AdviceLine provides business and legal advice to support you with your business queries and concerns.

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Advocacy v2

Advocacy

Amplify your voice and be heard. We’ll engage with you to ensure your views are presented to officials and decision-makers.

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Employment Relations v2

Employment Relations

Our in-house legal team can provide all he assistance you need to address any employment-related issues.

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Sustainability Support v2

Sustainability Support

Receive guidance and advice on implementing meaningful sustainability initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

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Training v2

Training

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.

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Networking v2

Networking

Mix and mingle with your peers in the local business community at our regular business and social events.

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Community v2

Community

Join the conversation on Trybz, our online community platform, to connect with others in the Southern business community.

Coming Soon
Business Support v2

Business Support

Develop your business and accelerate growth with targeted support, including grants and funding, research and development, business mentoring and much more.

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Workforce Development v2

Workforce Development

Take the hassle out of trades and apprenticeship recruitment and let us source the workforce you need.

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Grid Coffee Barista

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

16 Oct 2025

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

30 Oct 2025

Abbott Insurance Brokers and Optimus Systems are joining forces to deliver a BA5 with a particula...

Innovation for Industry

06 Nov 2025

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

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&rsqu...

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 E...

Registrations Closed

The Grand Business South Awards 2025

20 Nov 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 🥂

25 Nov 2025

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

27 Nov 2025

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

26 Feb 2026

Update coming soon. If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and are not a member of Bus...

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.