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Business Fundamentals Growth Lab

Get the confidence and tools to build a sustainable business

Combining online learning with in-person sessions, Business Fundamentals Growth Lab is an exciting opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners to accelerate growth, fast.

If you've got a great business idea but aren't sure where to start, or maybe your business is up-and-running but you don't have the tools you need to succeed, this programme is for you!

Business Fundamentals Growth Lab will guide you through all the essentials of how to start and run a business so you can grow with confidence.

Business Fundamentals Growth Lab - Women in Business

Powered by Deloitte, our first Growth Lab cohort has been created especially for wāhine founders and women-led startups or small businesses. Ten women will be selected to participate in the programme which combines online learning with expert-led sessions and peer connection, giving you practical tools to accelerate growth. The programme concludes with a pitch night and the opportunity to win a $2000 cash prize.

Key Information

Dates

Applications open: 3 November 2025

Applications close: 28 November 2025

Programme starts: 11 February 2026

Programme ends: 1 April 2026

Cost

This programme is FREE thanks to Deloitte.

Programme Details

Participants must commit to completing weekly online learning material (approximately two hours per week) AND attend weekly in-person group sessions for eight weeks.

The group sessions will be held every Wednesday from 10.30am-12pm at Soda, Wintec, Hamilton, starting 11 February 2026.

Pitch Night

There will be a pitch night on 1 April 2026 where each participant pitches their idea/business.

The pitch night winner will receive $2000.

What will I learn?

  • Build clarity and confidence in your business model to set you up for success
  • Gain practical skills in pricing, marketing, compliance, brand building and cash flow
  • Become part of a supportive, guided community for eight weeks
  • Take part in weekly group expert Q&A and check in sessions facilitated by an experienced entrepreneur

You will also receive six month's full access to Soda's Business Fundamentals Online platform which includes the following courses:

  • Your Business Vision & Goals
  • From Idea to Market: Problem Solving, Validation & Customer Fit
  • Crafting Your Brand & Competitive Edge
  • Marketing & Sales: Building Connections That Drive Growth
  • Money Matters: Getting to Grips with Financials
  • Legal, Compliance & Future Planning

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Business Fundamentals Growth Lab - Women in Business you must:

  • Be female or identify as female
  • Be aged 18 or older
  • Have a startup or business that is female led or female founded
  • Have a registered NZ business
  • Be a startup or early-stage business (business has been operating for less than 3 years)
  • Demonstrate novelty and potential for growth
  • Have founder/leader commitment
  • Be able to participate in the programme (weekly online learning and in-person group sessions plus Pitch Night)

How do I apply?

If you meet the above criteria, you can apply here.

If you have any questions please contact Soda Business Fundamentals Programme Manager, Fern.

Business Fundamentals Growth Lab

What our students say

What our RISE UP 2022 winner said