There’s a new way to find a sounding board, or someone to be in your corner to help grow new Central businesses. 

Central Otago District Council, Business South and Welcoming Communities has launched a new business mentorship programme for newcomers.

Two newcomers will be selected for a free year from a business mentor, and online expressions of interest need to be in by June 30. Visit the online form here. LINK: www.codc.govt.nz/newcomer

Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries said it was a fantastic opportunity for a newcomer.

“It [is] a huge help to have that one-to-one support as it can be quite isolating setting up a business as a sole trader.”

The criteria to apply are; you need to have lived in Central for less than six years and you must have a desire to develop leadership and/or business skills within the workplace. You do not need to be a business owner. 

Mentoring is a supported system where one person shares their skills, knowledge and experience to assist others to grow and develop.  

The mentors will be from Business Mentors New Zealand, an independent not for profit organisation who have more than 1,800 mentors nationally. 

The newcomer scholarship to the Business South leadership academy which has been offered for the past three years is not going to be offered in 2025. 

For more information contact [email protected] 

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