Running a business isn’t easy, and when you’re doing it on your own, it can feel like a never-ending juggling act. But across Nelson-Tasman, more business owners are discovering that the right support is just a conversation away. With guidance from experienced volunteer Mentors, who’ve faced similar challenges, local business owners are finding clarity, building confidence, and gaining the support they need to navigate the ups and downs of business life. Mentors receive no pay, don’t take a share in the business and volunteer their time and experience for the sole motivation of wanting to see Kiwi business succeed.
Because we love supporting business owners, we’re celebrating the Nelson-Tasman region by giving away up to 12 months of free mentoring. If you’re a Nelson-Tasman business ready to take the next step, register here and start your mentoring journey today.
Business Mentors New Zealand has had the privilege of supporting some incredible business owners across Nelson-Tasman, each with a different dream, but all with a shared determination to grow and adapt their businesses with the help of a volunteer Mentor.
Graham Manson: Turning a snack idea into a soaring success
Turning snacks into a sensation was just the beginning for Graham Manson, founder of QB Snacks. With a bold idea and a bit of mentoring, his locally made treats took off, landing on airline trays and opening new commercial opportunities.
Iain Escott: Cracking the wholesale market
Sweet success was on the horizon for Iain Escott, a Nelson local with a flair for caramelised nuts. For Iain, turning nuts into something special was the easy part; figuring out how to grow the wholesale side of the business was trickier. With help from his Mentor, he’s now honing in on how to build the right B2B relationships and take his artisan products to a wider market.
From fighting fires to future-proofing businesses, Dot Ashton channelled her emergency services expertise into something new: custom emergency response plans for businesses and community groups. When a personal upheaval threatened to derail her momentum, having a Business Mentor in her corner helped her stay connected to her business. With that steady support, Dot kept moving forward, turning her knowledge into a meaningful, market-ready offering.
Matt Earle & Josh Hall: Creative visionaries with a plan
Creativity meets strategy at Matt Earle and Josh Hall’s Jumbo Media, a vibrant local content company. Their team turned to mentorship to fine-tune their direction and strengthen their foundations for long-term success in a competitive digital space.
These aren’t just good stories; they’re proof that a fresh perspective and the right support can go a long way in helping local businesses move forward with purpose.
Behind every business breakthrough is a volunteer Mentor who has shared their time, knowledge, and a few well-placed questions.
The Nelson-Tasman region is lucky to be home to a many talented Business Mentors who generously gift their time to help businesses thrive. People like David Price, Fiona Newey, and Frank Witowski bring decades of experience across everything from marketing to governance, exporting to retail.
They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they listen, ask the right questions, and work alongside business owners to uncover their potential and develop tailored strategies that suit their unique goals.
For business owners like Graham, Dot, Matt and Iain, that hand has helped steady the ship and steer it forward.
If you’re running a business in Nelson-Tasman and wondering what’s next, whether it’s scaling up, shifting gears or simply needing a fresh perspective, a Business Mentor could be just what you need.
If you’ve got the experience and want to give back, mentoring might be your next rewarding challenge. You’ll play a part in strengthening the region’s economy, one conversation at a time.
Here’s the exciting part: we’re giving away FREE Mentor registrations to five lucky Nelson-Tasman businesses! If you’ve been looking for the right support, this could be your moment. Don’t miss out, register here.