Small Business Growth Accelerator
A six-week programme for people ready to start a business — turning an idea, or a hard-won lived experience, into a clear, workable plan and the confidence to act on it. One manageable step at a time, with someone in your corner the whole way.
Case managers & referrers: this page can be shared directly with anyone you’re supporting into self-employment.
Right at the very start.
You’ve got an idea, or something you’re good at, but turning it into a real business feels like a big leap.
This programme is for people at the beginning of the journey — including those rebuilding their working life after injury or illness through ACC, and exploring self-employment as the way forward. You don’t need a plan, a brand, or all the answers yet. You just need somewhere to start, and someone who’s built businesses before to help you do it properly.
- You have an idea but aren’t sure how to make it real
- You want to work for yourself but don’t know the first steps
- Your lived experience could become something of your own
- You’re motivated, but the “how” feels overwhelming
Six weeks, step by step.
A clear path from idea to action. Each week builds on the last, so by the end you’ve got a business direction and the confidence to move on it.
Get clear on your direction
We start with the idea and shape it into a direction you actually believe in.
Find your niche & ideal client
Who you’re for, and what makes you the right choice for them.
Simple planning that sticks
Weekly planning structures that keep you moving without the overwhelm.
Branding & marketing
The basics of presenting your business in a way you’re genuinely proud of.
Confidence to take action
We work on the mindset alongside the plan, so you actually follow through.
A plan to keep moving
You finish with clear next steps, so the momentum doesn’t stop at week six.
What you’ll walk away with: Across the six weeks, participants report gaining a clear business direction, a defined niche and ideal client, simple weekly planning structures, professional branding and marketing they’re proud of — and the confidence to take action and keep moving.
Why the first steps matter so much.
Source: Stats NZ · Franchise Association of NZ. Good structure and support from the start is one of the biggest things you can do to beat the odds.
ACC-funded support.
ACC & MSD funded coaching available.
If you’re recovering from an injury and self-employment is part of your return-to-work plan, this programme may be funded through ACC. The simplest way to find out is to talk it through — with your case manager, or with Jane directly. She’ll explain what’s involved and help work out whether it’s a fit, with no pressure either way.
Accelerator, in their words.
“A massive confidence boost and direction — I can definitely go forward now. Just having someone who gets what I am trying to do, and gives an enormous amount of direction and self-confidence to get there and achieve results.”
“Jane was excellent in her ability to focus on what was holding me back. By utilising tools and asking hard questions she helped me to shift limiting mindsets and understand my value. Now I have the focus and clarity to take action, building my confidence with every step.”
“The coaching helped me see that my lived experience is actually one of my biggest strengths. I now feel like the idea is becoming real and achievable — the coaching has helped me take the first steps from idea into action.”
“I felt empowered after each session. The self-discovery, and the belief that creating a business is becoming real for me — Jane is an amazing coach with a wealth of knowledge, and she gave so much of herself to empower me.”
Looking at the Employment Programmes instead? If you’re getting back into work rather than starting a business, the MSD-funded pathways may suit better.
Ready to start something of your own?
Whether you’re exploring this for yourself or referring someone you’re supporting, get in touch and Jane will talk you through eligibility and next steps.