Nelson Chocolatier awarded $100,000 Business Grant

Nelson Chocolatier awarded $100,000 Business Kick-Start Grant

Cocoa “The Heart of Chocolate” Chocolatiers won $100,000 in the Bartercard Business Kick-Start Awards Ceremony on Thursday 17th November at the Spencer on Byron Hotel on Auckland’s North Shore.

Running over a three month period, the competition required applicants to describe five ways they could use T$100,000 Bartercard Trade Dollars to fire up their business. During this time, three ‘Mini Kickstart’ awards of T$5,000 were also granted to businesses around the country.

Entrants were evaluated on their innovation, growth, and ability to utilise Bartercard’s Trade Exchange to expand their business.

Based in Nelson, Cocoa specialises in handmade chocolates, fudges and cakes. Owners Robert and Jacqueline Marris are typical of many Kiwi small business entrepreneurs, showing a passion for their industry and an unwavering commitment to business success. Robert spent 4 years in Europe, training in the some of the top patisseries, and has made chocolates for Queen Beatrice of Holland.

Cocoa’s kiwiana range of boxes decorated with paua, seashells, and feathers is especially popular. Many of these are sent overseas as they are a great reflection of all that is NZ.

Bartercard owner and Director Tony Falkenstein has shown a strong commitment to supporting innovation and excellence in knowledge and business, exemplified by his involvement in establishing the Onehunga Business High School in 2002. He is also the owner of iconic Kiwi bottled water brand, Just Water.

“This competition was an opportunity to support pioneering New Zealand business, as well as providing a platform for highlighting the wealth of benefits available through membership in the Bartercard Trade Exchange.”

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