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Growth Lab - Level Up

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Growth Lab - Level Up is a fully funded, nine-week founder programme for ambitious businesses that are gaining traction and ready to grow. Developed and delivered by Soda and proudly supported by Deloitte and Tompkins Wake, only 10 founders will be selected.

Through expert-led sessions, practical online learning and peer accountability, you'll strengthen your business foundations, refine your growth strategy and gain the confidence to make better business decisions. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for a prize package valued at over $10,000, including cash and professional advisory services.

Growth Lab - Level Up

Growth Lab - Level Up is designed for founders who have moved beyond the idea stage and are ready to build on their early traction. Over nine weeks, you'll combine practical online learning with facilitated group sessions, implementation activities and expert support to strengthen your business and accelerate sustainable growth. The programme culminates in a Pitch Night, where participants will present their business to a judging panel and compete for a prize package valued at over $10,000, including a $3,000 cash prize, $3,500 in Deloitte advisory services and $3,500 in Tompkins Wake legal services.

Key Information

Powered by Deloitte and Tompkins Wake, 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).

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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 $3,000 cash prize plus $3,500 in Deloitte services and $3500 in Tompkins Wake services to help accelerate their next stage of growth.

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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

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