BUSINESS IN A BOX

What is Business in a Box?

Ngāti Pukenga are an iwi of latent entrepreneurial talent. They have developed an innovative business training programme, called Business in Box (BiB) to support their people to set up businesses. This programme has trained 60+ Maori entrepreneurs ­ and is for anyone with an interest in developing an online business, and previous business experience is not necessary.

BiB empowers its participants to identify a viable business idea and gives them the tools and support to turn this idea into a profitable business. Online businesses require less startup capital (this reduces the risk) and offer access to a global marketplace. BiB uses internationally recognised frameworks such as Lean Startup that lower the risk of business failure and is used by entrepreneurs all over the world.

Te Whare Hukahuka's involvement

Ngāti Pukenga has gone through each of Te Whare Hukahuka's programmes. The Māori Leaders Programme ensured the team was paddling together; Rautaki Strategic Planning Sessions planned and determined the destination; and Business Coaching and Advisory has helped to execute on their vision of increasing their peoples' household income.

The TWH team continues to work alongside Ngāti Pukenga to develop parts of the programme and facilitate it to whanau. Recently TWH posted on Facebook about BiB, and in one week this reached 20,000 people resulting in more than 100 shares and 46 entrepreneurs signing up for the 2017 intake. This shows our reach and experience in engaging with Maori ‘wantrepreneneurs’ and early stage entrepreneurs.