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: Energy Costs & Your Business (Online)
In this webinar we talk about energy prices and how to manage their impact on productivity a...
Central Otago BA5 hosted by AWS Legal Alexandra
Our first Central Otago BA5 for 2026 will be hosted by AWS Legal Alexandra. Come along and c...
Learn about better finance
We are joined by the Executive General Manager at Xero, Rebecca Small. Join us for a practi...
Dunedin February BA5 hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum
Enjoy a great evening out at Tūhura Otago Museum with a bespoke cocktail on arrival, gourmet food...
Wāhine Connection - with Professor Maree Thyne and Deb Fraser-Komene
Celebrate International Women's Day with us! Hear from our inspiring speakers: Maree Thyne, (Pro-...
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Landpro Ltd
Join Us for an Evening of Connection and Discovery in Cromwell Landpro is delighted to invite yo...
Dunedin March BA5 hosted by Cargill Enterprises
More information coming soon.
Central Otago BA5 hosted by MacTodd Lawyers
More information coming soon.
Dunedin April BA5 hosted by Moore Markhams Otago Ltd
More information coming soon.
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Central Lakes Trust
More information coming soon.
Dunedin May BA5 hosted by Patersons
More information coming soon.
Wednesday Matters: Energy Costs & Your Business (Online)
11 Feb 2026
In this webinar we talk about energy prices and how to manage their impact on productivity and cost structures. You''ll hear insights from EECA, BusinessNZ Energy Council and Energy Link.
Central Otago BA5 hosted by AWS Legal Alexandra
19 Feb 2026
Our first Central Otago BA5 for 2026 will be hosted by AWS Legal Alexandra. Come along and connect with their team as we bring Southern businesses together to build relationships, share knowledge, and strengthen the region.
Learn about better finance
25 Feb 2026
We are joined by the Executive General Manager at Xero, Rebecca Small. Join us for a practical, plain-English session designed to help you understand what really matters in your financials. Drinks and nibbles provided.
Dunedin February BA5 hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum
26 Feb 2026
Enjoy a great evening out at Tūhura Otago Museum with a bespoke cocktail on arrival, gourmet food and live music. Prize give aways include: 10 x $100 in Museum Shop vouchers, plus the opportunity to win a private Planetarium screening for your business!
Wāhine Connection - with Professor Maree Thyne and Deb Fraser-Komene
05 Mar 2026
Celebrate International Women's Day with us! Hear from our inspiring speakers: Maree Thyne, (Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Commerce and a Professor of Marketing) and Deb Fraser-Komene (Director of Mirror Services and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit).
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Landpro Ltd
19 Mar 2026
Join Us for an Evening of Connection and Discovery in Cromwell
Landpro is delighted to invite you to our upcoming Business After Five Event at our Cromwell office. Whether you’re a long-standing partner, a valued client, or a member of the local business community, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate what makes our region thrive.
Dunedin April BA5 hosted by Moore Markhams Otago Ltd
30 Apr 2026
More information coming soon.
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 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.