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Growth Lab - Level Up
Get the confidence and tools to accelerate growth
Combining online learning with expert-led sessions and peer accountability, Growth Lab - Level Up is a fully funded opportunity for ambitious founder-led businesses that are gaining momentum and ready to take the next step.
Designed for businesses that have moved beyond the idea stage and are already demonstrating traction, the programme will help you strengthen your business foundations, refine your growth strategy, and build the confidence to make better business decisions.
Growth Lab - Level Up
Soda's Growth Lab - Level Up combines online learning with expert-led sessions and peer connection, giving you practical tools to accelerate growth. Powered by Deloitte, the programme concludes with a pitch night and the opportunity to win a $2000 cash prize and $3500 in Deloitte services. Only ten founders will be selected.
Key Information
Powered by Deloitte, Growth Lab - Level Up is focused on ambitious startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are actively building traction and looking to grow.
Ten founders will be selected to participate in the programme.
Participants should expect to commit approximately 10 hours per week for nine weeks, including weekly online learning, implementation activities, and facilitated in-person group sessions held from 10am–12pm each Wednesday in Hamilton (Kirikiriroa).
Pitch Night
After nine weeks of learning, participants take the stage to pitch their business to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The winning founder receives a $2,000 cash prize and $3,500 in Deloitte services to help accelerate their next stage of growth.
Dates
1 July - Applications open
30 July - Applications close
10 August - Cohort announced
9 September - Programme starts
4 November - Pitch Night
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 nine 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
How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Growth Lab - Level Up you must:
- Be aged 18 or older
- Have a registered NZ business
- Be a startup or early-stage business that has been operating for 3 years or less
- Have at least one founder actively working in the business
- Have a product or service that has a clear point of difference and problem that you're solving
- Evidence of traction - such as customers, pre-orders, partnerships, pilots, or MVP development
- Demonstrate ambition and potential for growth
- Have founder/leader commitment
- Be able to commit approximately 10 hours per week to the programme, including online learning, implementation activities, weekly facilitated in-person sessions in Hamilton (Kirikiriroa), and the final Pitch Night
How to Apply
Coming soon!
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