Business Mentors Blog


How NZ small businesses can stay steady through the fuel crisis

May 11, 2026 2:23:18 PM

Fuel prices are continuing to fluctuate. Nearly nine in ten business owners expect reduced activity in the coming months. And 83 per cent of business owners across New Zealand are reporting some level of stress. This article pulls together the most useful information available right now, so you can make clear-headed decisions for your business.

Case Studies

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

Apr 7, 2026 1:15:32 PM

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 ...

How to Decide What Kind of Business Owner You Want to Be

Mar 25, 2026 4:10:29 PM

Not everyone has to scale up to succeed. As a small business owner, one of the most powerful choices you can make is deciding deliberately what kind of business owner you want to be. In New Zealand, 97% of Kiwi businesses employ fewer than 20 people. That means staying small is okay. In fact, it can be your strategy for building a more resilient and sustainable future. The conversation around productivity often suggests that bigger is better. But in 2026, many ...

Three Ways to Boost Productivity Without Growing Your Team

Mar 25, 2026 3:41:32 PM

You can boost productivity without hiring anyone new. Smart use of technology, strategic focus, and better systems are some of the secrets to unlocking increased output while keeping your business lean. About 97% of Kiwi businesses employ fewer than 20 people, so increasing productivity without growing headcount is a smart strategy.

2026 Predictions for NZ Small Businesses: What Business Leaders Say Will Matter Most

Feb 17, 2026 2:01:46 PM

What can small businesses in New Zealand expect from 2026? These 2026 predictions for NZ small businesses come from leaders across the BMNZ network and partner ecosystem to share their predictions for what will matter most. Here's what they see.

Plan Your 2026 Business Year With AI: A Guide for NZ Small Businesses

Feb 16, 2026 3:54:00 PM

You can complete your full 2026 business strategic plan using affordable AI tools in just a few hours. This guide shows you exactly how, with step-by-step instructions, realistic timeframes, and cost breakdowns.

AI Literacy: What is it and how can you build it?

Nov 26, 2025 9:21:08 AM

AI is not a technology just for technology experts. It’s become part of everyday lives. Being AI literate is not only becoming essential to business success, but to your own future. So, what is AI literacy, and how can you build it?

Healthy minds mean healthy business

Nov 24, 2025 3:36:38 PM

The wellbeing of small business owners sits at the heart of a thriving workplace. Yet, many of us face long hours, financial worries, and the responsibility of supporting staff in demanding conditions. As a leader, your mental health shapes the future of your business and the lives connected to it.

Beyond resilience: unlocking growth in the regions

Sep 30, 2025 11:34:34 AM

The sun is coming out for small businesses in the regions. While the economic climate has been particularly tough, those outside the main centres can start thinking beyond resilience to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

A wise solution for your skills gap

Sep 30, 2025 11:21:42 AM

If you feel like you're doing the work of two people, you're not alone. New Zealand's labour market is facing what some are calling a perfect storm. Recent data from Statistics New Zealand shows 27,850 fewer jobs in June 2025 compared to the year before. Yet paradoxically, many sectors are crying out for skilled workers. At ...