.jpg?sfvrsn=a8b90c27_5&mode=crop&width=1600&height=450&format=jpeg&quality=85 "Hamilton City Council - Hamilton Gardens with CBD in background at dusk (2)")
The Waikato is home to hundreds of thriving businesses whose people enjoy the economic, social and lifestyle benefits our region has to offer.
There is a wide variety of business support options available in the Waikato, use this page to explore which option is best for your business.
Business Support Programmes
Business Advisory Service
Soda Inc. is the new Regional Business Partner for the Waikato.
Soda is part of the Regional Business Partner network (RBP). Their Business Growth Advisors can connect you with business support services such as capability development funding and training, and research & development (R&D) services and grants.
If you are a business seeking advice and support to help you grow, find out more here.
Business Mentors
Access to support from New Zealand Business Mentors is available to Waikato businesses.
Mentees will have up to 12 months' access to a Business Mentor who will help you develop your business and yourself as a business owner. Apply to become a New Zealand Business Mentee or Mentor here.
Digital Boost Programme
The Digital Boost Programme is a free tool Kiwi businesses can use to future-proof their business with a wide range of information specifically for digital skill development.
A free set of resources and programmes are available to help you bring your business online with confidence.
Visit Digital Boost to discover the digital skills to boost your business.
Business Chambers & Associations
There are many business chambers and associations operating in the Waikato region. These membership organisations support and advocate on behalf of local businesses. Find your nearest business chamber or association below:
Networks and Sector Support
Multiple business networks and sector support organisations are available to connect and assist businesses in the Waikato region. These include:
Te Hūmeka Māori Business Network supports Waikato-based Māori businesses and provides platforms for them to network on a local, national, and international scale.
Waikato-Tainui’s Pakihi Support service is available for registered tribal members that are running a business, consultancy or have a side-hustle.
The Waikato Pacific Business Network works to grow more sustainable, more profitable, and well-connected Pacific owned businesses and professionals in the Waikato region.
The Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust works with primary producers during challenging times, providing free one-on-one confidential support for farmers and growers.
The On Farm Support service provides on-the-ground help for farmers and growers via a Waikato regional advisor.
The Forestry Advisory Service provides advice to landowners who are interested in growing trees. They can help you determine the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose, and can help you access specific support if you need it.
Regional Tourism Organisations
A Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) looks after destination marketing for your region, and is responsible for promoting your region to domestic and international tourists. Across the broader Waikato region we have three RTOs who work to identify opportunities for tourism promotion and highlight the benefits of spending time in the Waikato. Find your local RTO below:
Latest Business News
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Reflections from the Wind Energy Summit 2023 Part 2: The need for bold leadership and innovative partnerships
In this second of two articles on the Summit, Rosie shares her reflections on key challenges we are likely to face in establishing an offshore wind industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the need for bold leadership and innovative partnerships to overcome those barriers.
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Reflections from the Wind Energy Summit 2023 Part 1: The opportunity for wind energy to underpin transformation of our economy.
As the highest emitting region in the country, with high levels of emissions intensity relative to our population and GDP, the imperative for the Waikato to prioritise decarbonisation is clear. This presents both challenge and opportunity for our region, as we look to new technologies, processes, and industries to drive sustainable growth.
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Transport infrastructure consultation: giving the Waikato a voice
Te Waka is set to submit on the Draft 2024 Transport Government Policy Statement (GPS) which sets out the Government’s transport priorities and guides investment in our transport infrastructure.
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Rising to the Regional Growth Challenge
Te Waka recently hosted the Infrastructure Commission to discuss how the Waikato, and Aotearoa at large, can rise to the regional growth challenge. The Waikato is growing. Opportunities are knocking at our door and we need to position ourselves to capitalise on these when they appear. For General Manager Economic Development Rosie Spragg, the visit from the Infrastructure Commission reinforced the fact that we are at a crucial turning point for the future of our region and its ongoing growth.