Today it is back to business for many, and Welcoming Communities has partnered with Business South Inc. to support the leadership development of newcomers within Central Otago’s business, community and not-for-profit sectors.

In this new initiative, the Central Otago Newcomer Leadership Scholarship, funded by Business South allows applicants to apply for access to funding that will enable them to participate in the Business South Inc. Leadership Academy.

"It was exciting to be part of making opportunities happen for newcomers", Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities officer Deborah Beange said.

“There are people coming into this district with life skills and a skill set that are unique to them but can be applied to a new business or venture, who may or may not have had the opportunity to be in leaderships roles before. These are the people who will most benefit from the leadership academy, so they can grow in their new role.”

The Central Otago Leadership Academy will take place on Fridays 9am to 12.30pm over four weeks from 20 May to 10 June at The Gate Conference Centre in Cromwell.

The programme provides future community and business leaders with the opportunity to build their leadership capabilities through their own personal development and by learning from the experience of others.

At the completion of the programme, the successful applicant will have the skills, connections, and confidence to be leaders in their receiving community.

Each session is led by a senior executive from a significant Central Otago business or community organisation who provide tutoring to the group across several leadership topics.

Applications remain open until Monday 25 April. If you know someone who may be interested, you can direct them to www.codc.govt.nz/scholarship