Businesses gather for support

Businesses gather for support

A local and independent business support group sharing advice and ideas has ballooned in number in a short time.

The group, which initially started with a handful of businesses early last year, now has more than 20 who meet every Wednesday morning at the Bush Street Café.

Chairperson Willie Masters says for many business owners in the Horowhenua-Kāpiti region, especially new or small businesses, the opportunity to network with others is important.

Participating in a business collective can be helpful for sharing advice and having a support network to develop and grow, he says.

The collective started organically with original members Liz Maclean, Teresa Haley and Carly Bowers, who now form a committee of five with Russel Bacon and chairperson Willie.

Liz had belonged to a similar group in another region and saw value in starting one up in Horowhenua. More businesses were shoulder-tapped to join or have heard about it through word of mouth.

Carly says there is an expectation for attendance around 75 percent, but when someone can’t make it the group will make sure their businesses is mentioned.

“People and businesses can go through tough times. It’s about having that support and someone to talk to. A lot meet aside the group,” she says.

A variety of businesses are involved, from lawyers to plumbers, builders to business advisors. Following a relaxed around-the-table introductions, each week a different business will give a presentation outlining who they are and what they do.

It might be that they bring in an expert on a topic of interest outside the group guest speakers to come and present if it will benefit the group.

Teresa says it’s deliberately not too formal or rigid. Some members order coffee. Others use it as an opportunity to have breakfast.

At the end of each year the group contribute to Pack The Bus, an initiative supporting a local food bank and the local branch of Women’s Refuge and Birthright organisations, she says.