Business Mentors Blog


What the Sustainable Development Goals mean for small NZ businesses

May 15, 2025 11:00:00 AM

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals to create a better world by 2030. Together, they lay out a path to meet global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental sustainability. These wicked problems are complex and resistant to straightforward solutions. However, the SDGs mean that even small New Zealand businesses can make a meaningful contribution to a better future, especially with the help of a ...

AI best practice: A guide for small business owners

May 5, 2025 9:17:51 AM

This article was primarily generated by AI, with our skilled team refining and enhancing the content to ensure it meets the high standards of our audience. AI is revolutionising the way businesses operate, and small businesses are no exception. This guide aims to help small business owners understand AI and implement best practices to harness its potential.

Case Studies

From facials to forecasts: Carine’s business makeover with support from a Mentor

May 2, 2025 10:00:00 AM

For Carine Wallace, opening Carine Beauty Therapy wasn’t just about creating a beauty clinic — it was about bringing big-city treatments and expertise to the quiet streets of Westport. Over the years, her boutique clinic became a go-to destination for locals wanting advanced skin treatments and a touch of luxury. But as her client list grew, so did the need for a clearer plan. That’s when Carine realised it was time to invest not just in her clients, but in ...

Plan your crisis communication to protect your business

Apr 4, 2025 8:57:19 AM

Creating a crisis communication plan isn't just good practice for big corporations — it's also essential for small businesses. A crisis communication plan helps you protect your business, its people, and its reputation by outlining who needs information, what they need to know, and how you'll reach them when problems arise. Having one will position you to recover more quickly and suffer less damage in tough times.

The secret weapon for small business growth: A Business Mentor

Mar 10, 2025 8:04:53 AM

Meet the Mentors changing the game Ever wonder who’s behind the scenes, guiding small businesses toward success? Our Business Mentors come from all walks of life—seasoned entrepreneurs, retired executives, and industry specialists. They have firsthand experience navigating the highs and lows of business and know what it takes to build and sustain a thriving business. Whether you’re in retail, tech, ...

Supporting women in business on International Women's Day

Mar 7, 2025 7:09:25 AM

This International Women's Day, Business Mentors New Zealand is proud to stand alongside female entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2025 theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls us to take bold steps to accelerate progress toward gender equity. Our commitment is to empowering women in business through mentorship, advocacy, and action.

Do you need an ad agency?

Feb 27, 2025 2:03:00 PM

If you’re keen to give your business more prominence, you have plenty of options available. You’ll need to decide if you should you handle your advertising in-house or bring in the experts. Here, we look at when you might need an advertising agency and how to choose the right approach for your business.

Business owners: You're not alone in navigating today's challenges

Feb 18, 2025 2:00:00 PM

Business owners: You're not alone in navigating today's challenges The latest Business Health Monitor reveals what many of us already feel — running a small business in New Zealand is tough right now. However, there are also some exciting results. Many of us are finding smart ways to work and grow, and mentoring rates right up there!

Case Studies

Crafting her future: How Keri-Mei polished her business with mentorship

Feb 7, 2025 1:28:16 PM

Starting a creative business can be like forging a piece of jewellery, full of intricate details and often requiring a helping hand to shape it into something truly stunning. Keri-Mei Zagrobelna, a talented artist and jeweller, discovered this as she set out to expand her business, Keri-Mei Jewellery and Art. Known for her contemporary Māori designs that combine personal adornment ...

Case Studies

Paving the digital path: How a volunteer Mentor helped Whippet Digital thrive

Jan 30, 2025 10:49:17 AM

In 2005, Midge Hand and her husband, Mike Morgan, co-founded Whippet Digital with a vision to help businesses achieve better results through digital marketing. Today, Whippet Digital has become a leading agency, renowned for its expertise in SEO and content marketing. Based in Ohope Beach, the agency has worked with 100+ businesses across New Zealand and Australia, earning the distinction of ...