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
Roundtable with Hon Scott Simpson
Join us for a powerful and insightful Round Table Event. This is your opportunity to hear di...
Westpac Smarts 2026 Series: Good Businesses Don’t Always Win, Visible Ones Do
Growth goes to the brands that stay visible. Join Firebrand and MediaWorks to learn what’s ...
Manufacturing and Engineering Tour Series at Farra Engineering Ltd
Go behind the scenes at Farra Engineering for an exclusive look inside one of New Zealand&rs...
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Mactodd Lawyers in conjunction with the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust
Our April Central Otago BA5 will be hosted by Mactodd Lawyers in conjunction with the Mactodd Com...
Dunedin April BA5 hosted by Skills Trades Training
Step inside the world of Skill Trades Training for an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes BA5 showcasing ...
Central Otago BA5 proudly hosted by Central Lakes Trust
Central Lakes Trust is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year! Join us for a relaxed evening ...
YES Mid-Winter Pitches - Dunedin & Cromwell May 2026
We’re looking for judges for the Otago YES Mid-Winter Pitches at the end of May in both Dun...
Dunedin May BA5 hosted by Patersons
Come along and help celebrate 125 years of land development with Patersons. Join t...
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...
Roundtable with Hon Scott Simpson
15 Apr 2026
Join us for a powerful and insightful Round Table Event. This is your opportunity to hear directly from special guest speaker Hon Scott Simpson, on key issues impacting New Zealand businesses.
Westpac Smarts 2026 Series: Good Businesses Don’t Always Win, Visible Ones Do
21 Apr 2026
Growth goes to the brands that stay visible. Join Firebrand and MediaWorks to learn what’s working right now — and how to turn consistency into real commercial results.
Manufacturing and Engineering Tour Series at Farra Engineering Ltd
22 Apr 2026
Go behind the scenes at Farra Engineering for an exclusive look inside one of New Zealand’s leading engineering and manufacturing facilities. With more than 160 years of history and advanced fabrication, machining, and engineering capabilities under one roof, Farra delivers complex projects for major industries across New Zealand and beyond.
Central Otago BA5 hosted by Mactodd Lawyers in conjunction with the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust
23 Apr 2026
Our April Central Otago BA5 will be hosted by Mactodd Lawyers in conjunction with the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust.
Dunedin April BA5 hosted by Skills Trades Training
30 Apr 2026
Step inside the world of Skill Trades Training for an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes BA5 showcasing the future of specialist trades and workforce development.
This is your chance to connect, explore, and get inspired.
Central Otago BA5 proudly hosted by Central Lakes Trust
21 May 2026
Central Lakes Trust is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year! Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks and nibbles as we reflect on where your community asset has come from and where it’s heading.
YES Mid-Winter Pitches - Dunedin & Cromwell May 2026
26 May 2026
We’re looking for judges for the Otago YES Mid-Winter Pitches at the end of May in both Dunedin and Cromwell.
Dunedin May BA5 hosted by Patersons
28 May 2026
Come along and help celebrate 125 years of land development with Patersons.
Join the team for an evening of connection, conversation, and a look behind the scenes of a firm that has been part of the region’s growth since 1900, earning its place as a trusted partner to landowners along the way.
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.
📅 Thursday, 18 June 2026
🕒 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Starting at McLellans Plumbing & Heating, 1 Deel Street, Alexandra
➡️ Finishing at The Finery, 21 Tarbert Street, Alexandra
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.