Training Programme increases employment and business

South Waikato businesses have seen increases in revenue and staff numbers after completing a 12-week business programme delivered in Tokoroa.

South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) subsidised the cost of the business programme delivered by central North Island business growth centre Firestation. To date more than 23 businesses have graduated in the last fifteen months.

SWIFT Economic Development Manager Francis Pauwels said that the results are encouraging for the South Waikato businesses.

“SWIFT funded these programmes to help grow local businesses and after one year based on their feedback, we are seeing that it is making a difference.”

“The overarching goal was to support businesses to develop their capabilities in key areas such as planning, marketing and finance. To ensure they have strong foundations in place, so they are more resilient and experience sustainable growth that results in increased revenue for the owners so ultimately they employ more people.”

“We want more jobs in the South Waikato for local people.”

“And it is working. With these results SWIFT will support another two rounds of the programmes in 2019. Right now we are seeking 20 business owners and senior leaders to be part of the next round.”

There are three programmes available that cater to all ages and stage of business. ACTIVATE for someone who has an idea for a business and needs help to get it off the ground, INCUBATE for people who have a small business up and running through to ACCELERATE for medium sized business with five or more staff.

Rebekah Garner from The Event Girl, a boutique wedding and event planning services business completed the Incubate programme last year. She encourages all business owners to sign-up for the course.

“This course has been life-changing. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

“It literally changed the way I do business. The one on one coaching for me was massive. It really helped set goals and break them down into achievable steps. I’ve gone from looking at day to day things to where I want to be in five years.”

“Everything was amazing, the one on one mentorship changed the way I do business, but each session I learnt something so valuable about doing business.”

I think this is the best thing SWIFT could invest in, I think it will grow the town and our local businesses and cause the town to thrive.” she said.

Applications are now open with the programmes starting in April. For more information or to apply go to www.bit.ly/SW-Bus

More information:
SWIFT
• SWIFT was formed in 2015 and had a $20 million opening fund which was derived from the sale of Powerco shares.
• The shares were formerly held by South Waikato Council.
• Since that time the fund has grown to around $25 million.
• In forming a dedicated trust to manage and oversee the funds Council separated and ring fenced the funds to protect their original purpose.
• The formation of SWIFT combined with arms-length governance and the appointment of trustees ensures effective decision-making.
• SWIFT has an excellent relationship with the South Waikato District Council at several levels and reports on their progress and investments at regular intervals.

Firestation
• Owned and operated by Darren and Rachael McGarvie drawing on their combined forty plus years of corporate experience, diverse business ownership and governance expertise.
• Firestation is the only Business Growth Centre in the central North Island with programmes and services covering leadership, sales, brand, governance, marketing and business coaching.
• Since 2014, customer growth has been exceptional. More than 300 business owners and leaders engaged with FIRESTATION.
• More than 180 businesses have graduated from Firestation programmes across the central North Island including Tauranga, Rotorua, Kawerua, Taupo and South Waikato.

© Scoop Media