ACC-funded coaching via provider agencies

Small Business Growth Accelerator

Business steps made simple. 

Build the clarity, confidence, and practical plan to start, then grow, your business with purpose. A 6-week 1:1 programme to take you from overwhelmed and unsure into clarity and motion.

Case managers & referrers: this page can be shared directly with anyone you’re supporting into self-employment.

Who it’s for

This programme meets people wherever they’re starting from:

    • People starting a small business, or wanting to work for themselves but unsure where to begin
    • Those with lived experience or a skill they could build something of their own around
    • People returning to work after injury, illness, or a wellbeing challenge, including building work that fits around health or mobility needs
    • Anyone held back by self-doubt, fear, or an old mindset that says they can’t
    • People who’ve done a business course, but need the practical guidance and real-world experience to actually reach launch day
    • Those who are motivated, but the “how” feels overwhelming
what we cover

Your Six Weeks Includes

6 × 90-minute 1:1 coaching sessions, weekly accountability, resources, and follow-ups. 

01

Get clear on your direction

We start with the idea and shape it into a direction you actually believe in.

02

Find your niche & ideal client

Who you’re for, and what makes you the right choice for them.

03

Simple planning that sticks

Weekly planning structures that keep you moving without the overwhelm.

04

Branding & marketing

The basics of presenting your business in a way you’re genuinely proud of.

05

Confidence to take action

We work on the mindset alongside the plan, so you actually follow through.

06

A plan to keep moving

You finish with clear next steps, so the momentum doesn’t stop at week six.

Why the first steps matter so much.

< 50%
of NZ businesses survive past year 5
up to ½
early-failure risk can be cut with the right structure, systems & support
6 weeks
to build those foundations from the start

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.

what we cover

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.

what participants say

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.”

Marcia

“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.”

Nina

“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.”

Dan

“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.”

Lynne

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.

for participants & referrers

ACC-funded support.

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.