PopUp Business School to pop-up on North Shore

27 February 2019

Budding North Shore entrepreneurs can attend a free 10-day business course in March.

Could your passion give you a job and income? North Shore locals can sign up to a free course to gain the skills and confidence to make money doing what they love.

The PopUp Business School does away with traditional thinking by replacing business plans with actionable, no-cost steps and covers topics including how to turn your idea into a business, how to build a website for free and the quickest way to find a customer.

The PopUp Business School is free to participants who need only to commit to attending the 10-day course.

The Upper Harbour and Hibiscus & Bays Local Boards have partnered with Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and the Ministry of Social Development to bring the PopUp Business School Aotearoa to Auckland’s North Shore as part of the boards’ economic and social development initiatives.

The course involves 20 workshops over 10 days from Monday, 18 to Friday, 29 March at AUT Millennium, equipping participants with the tools to start their own business. The course is held during school hours, making it easier for entrepreneurial parents and caregivers to attend.

Pam Ford, ATEED General Manager Economic Development, says Auckland’s economic growth agency is excited to work with the local boards to bring the PopUp Business School north and give people an opportunity to gain key business skills that they might not otherwise be able to access.

“The PopUp Business School offers budding business owners the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors who can help them take the first step in transforming a simple idea into a profitable business. It’s a relaxed and fun way to connect and share with like-minded people and gain the confidence and momentum to keep going.”

Margaret Miles, Upper Harbour Local Board Chair, says the PopUp Business School is a great fit for locals. “The Upper Harbour Local Board is working with the community towards a prosperous and innovative local economy, where residents can live and work locally. The course will equip our passionate local entrepreneurs with practical tools to do just that, by growing their own businesses.”

Julia Parfitt, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair agrees. “Our residents spend longer on average commuting to jobs. A strong local economy offers people the opportunity to work in the area they live and ultimately, a better quality of life. We’re excited to see local innovators work towards realising their dreams through the PopUp Business School and the positive impacts in the community that naturally follow.”

The PopUp Business School was brought to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 2017 by Kiwi Tony Henderson-Newport. Courses have been held around the country, including courses in Henderson-Massey and Manukau in 2018.

Henderson-Newport says it is inspiring to see the excitement grow and the transformation of attendees as their businesses come to life.

“So far over 400 participants have attended, forming businesses as diverse as adventure tourism hubs, business consulting services, online sustainable clothing retailers and family photographers. It has been incredible to see these business dreams become reality.”

Henderson-Newport says while the PopUp Business School North Shore is free for participants to attend, it would not happen without the generous support of its funding partners.

“We’re grateful to our partners including ATEED, the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus & Bays Local Boards, and the Ministry of Social Development, who recognise what this opportunity means for the community and have eagerly come on board to make it happen. With their support, we’re keen to get stuck in and help people take practical first steps towards realising their business dreams.”

People who want to take part need to register in advance. To register online go to https://northshorepopup2019.eventbrite.co.nz. For more information phone 021 0227 1963, or emailhello@popupbusinessschool.nz.

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