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Awesome Bulletin

31 Mar 2021

Ministry of Awesome to launch the Orion Energy Accelerator alongside Orion Group

The Ministry of Awesome and Canterbury electricity lines company, Orion, today launched a national competition calling for new ideas to reduce New Zealand’s carbon emissions. The Orion Energy Accelerator offers two Start-up Grants worth...

25 Feb 2021

FoodStarter competition supersizes providing boost to supplier community in 2021

New World and Ministry of Awesome have started the search for New Zealand’s food and beverage product superstars, this year with an additional category for small suppliers and a supersized prize package which includes...

23 Oct 2020

Health innovation challenge winners announced

Richard McCulloch from NextStep was crowned as the Best Startup Team and the Overall Winner of the Challenge Winners of the inaugural HealthTech Supernode Challenge – a national innovation challenge powered by ChristchurchNZ,...

16 Oct 2020

TOP 8 finalists announced in the HealthTech Supernode Challenge 2020

From virtual reality that could repair brain damage, to artificial intelligence that detects diseases,22 of the country’s most innovative and life changing healthcare ideas and initiatives have been whittled down to just eight. And...

29 Jun 2020

Challenge aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation

Ōtautahi Christchurch aims to become the home of health tech innovation in New Zealand with the HealthTech Supernode Challenge, opening Monday 29 June. With a total prize pool across multiple categories valued at over $340,000,...

27 May 2020

7 Practical tips to help your startup through Covid19

Like every small business in the world right now, New Zealand’s early stage startups are so vulnerable. Short runways, little or no cash, investors slowing up, early sales falling away it’s all happening right...

27 May 2020

COVID-19 Startup Information Pack

Thank you to our friends at Startup Dunedin for sharing these resources and to Mackenzie Dowson for her excellent work in creating them! Table of Contents New Zealand Business Support Package Working Remotely Cash Flow...

19 May 2020

How can your business provide exceptional customer experience?

Innovation. The focus of last week’s Coffee and Jam was customers and how to keep them close which is always relevant but even more so right now as we make our way through the...

18 May 2020

Into the Unknown: Leadership strategy for uncertain times

At last week’s Startup Breakfast Club, we gathered an influential group of speakers together to discuss what it means to be a leader in times of crisis. We’d like to extend a special thanks...

08 May 2020

Leading through uncertainty

This article was inspired by the Innovation Bay seminar, which took place on the 22nd of April 2020. A huge thank you to Innovation Bay, as well as to the speakers: Nick Crocker, Jane...

29 Apr 2020

Same storm, different boats, shifting perspectives, and seizing opportunities

Shifting perspectives were a central theme of this week’s Coffee and Jam, with our speakers emphasising a multi-faceted approach to enduring and thriving as individuals, businesses, and communities amidst COVID. Read on for some...

21 Apr 2020

Financial Forecasting: Understanding the Basics

Financial forecasting can help startup companies future-proof their business, especially at times of crisis. This article will cover two topics: why it’s important for companies at every stage and the basics of how to...

20 Apr 2020

How to spot opportunity, pivot, and thrive.

At this week’s Coffee and Jam, we asked Ben Kepes, founder of Cactus Outdoor, long-running startup investor, and influential tech blogger; Tip Piumsomboon, Principal at Blackbird Ventures; and, Laura Reitel, Callaghan Innovation’s Startup Programme...

15 Apr 2020

Capital raising for startups in hard times

Embrace your options, rise to the challenge. Focus on long-term sustainability rather than rapid growth. Don’t give up too much capital and choose the right investors. It’s all about embracing your options and rising...

09 Apr 2020

Covid-19: A Crash Course in Video Conferencing Tools

Covid-19 is sure to have a lasting impact on how, when, and where we work. Luckily, offices big and small from around the globe are already well equipped to work from home. Online communication...

08 Apr 2020

YieldTec robots to end labour shortages in orchards

New Zealand startup YieldTec wants to introduce robots to fruit picking. Growers should be able to end seasonal labour shortages and save up to 60 per cent on costs with its technology. Some big...

07 Apr 2020

The Government Support Package as Applicable to Startups

While wage subsidy material available online is directed to businesses of all sizes and shapes, they’re especially relevant for startups during this uncertain time. It’s designed to support businesses across NZ so that they have the...

07 Apr 2020

What startups should do while in a bubble

The other day we caught up with Krissy Sadler Bridge, MYOB’s national marketing manager. She and her team create solutions for the problems that small to medium-sized businesses face in New Zealand. Krissy spoke...

06 Apr 2020

How to handle WFH right now

Remote work isn’t new, our current situation is. With billions of people asked to stay home, what was before a rarity became the day-to-day. We now have to work from home; it’s the right...

04 Mar 2020

Should startups use Business Model Canvas or Lean Canvas?

Where the Business Model Canvas tries to provide a complete model which encapsulates many types of business, the Lean Canvas focuses more on customer problems and solutions. “Most startups fail, not because they fail...

13 Feb 2020

Christchurch startup & innovation fixture moves monthly

Kia ora Coffee & Jam whanau! We have an announcement to make. From now on, Coffee & Jam will be a monthly event instead of weekly. And each event is scheduled to be...

30 Jan 2020

9 Grants for Startups in New Zealand

Running out of cash is the second biggest reason that startups fail. Therefore, ensuring that your cash reserves are robust is critical to the survival of your business. This means founders not only have...

22 Nov 2019

Reading: Source of Knowledge and Entertainament

THE AIM: To promote an appreciation and love of reading as a source of knowledge and entertainment by bringing literature to public spaces and in people’s daily activities. “Creating a temptation to read, creating...

22 Nov 2019

Validating startup ideas – 10 things to remember

Earlier this month, at Startup Breakfast Club, we caught up with Courtney van Beek from Assurity, Shelley Magic of MYOB, and Ashley Bass from Jade Software to discuss startup validation. These were the top...

22 Nov 2019

The single most critical step to take before you start your business.

By: Jacob Varghese, Startup Activator You are an ardent moviegoer who makes the weekly pilgrimage to the nearest cinema but it’s a hassle for you to check all the different cinema websites for times and...

22 Nov 2019

Trans Tasman Collaboration sets startups up for success

Tasman collaboration sets innovators up Christchurch’s Ministry of Awesome has just inked a startup exchange partnership offering NZ startups a New South Wales beachhead and introductions to established networks that can help them crack...

22 Nov 2019

10 Digital Marketing Tips for Startups

At last month’s Startup Breakfast Club, we caught up with Krissy Sadler-Bridge of MYOB, Jen Heuett from Altitude Media and Luke Eason from Harvey Cameron. Each provided a valuable overview of digital marketing in all its...

22 Nov 2019

The Brothers Green: A Sustainable Hempire

“Hemp seeds are safe to eat, nutritious, and do not have a psychoactive effect,” said Food Safety Minister, the Honourable Damien O’Connor, in a Beehive press release in November 2018, regarding changes made to...

22 Nov 2019

An awesome enterprise: Q&A with the Ministry of Awesome’s Chief Awesome Officer Marian Johnson

A social enterprise established in the dark days post-quake to encourage positivity, collaboration, activation and support for a city that was struggling to survive, the Ministry of Awesome is a creative crew making some...

22 Nov 2019

Fundamentals of Startup Funding

“Raising capital takes twice as long, is twice as hard, and costs twice as much then you think it will so plan for this.” – Bridget Unsworth – Investment Director, NZ Venture Investment Fund...

22 Nov 2019

AllGoods is Awesome

AllGoods is a marketplace that makes buying and selling online cheaper, faster and more fun for Kiwis. It’s free for casual sellers, easy for businesses to get set up, and fun for buyers to browse...

22 Nov 2019

Ministry of Awesome and Ara create new innovation hub

Ara Institute of Canterbury to become more Awesome. Establishing an ecosystem that will nurture dynamic start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovators is critical for Christchurch, and Canterbury to strengthen its standing as a region of opportunity....

22 Nov 2019

10 Legal Tips for Starting Your Startup

Whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table or moving into your first commercial space, you must take your startup seriously from the outset and establish the legal foundations you need to protect your future...

18 Sep 2019

FoodStarter 2019 launches 16 September

The Brothers Green, aka Brad Lake and Brendon McIntosh who have now been joined by Michael Burnett, won last year’s FoodStarter competition – a partnership between Ministry of Awesome (MoA) and Foodstuffs South Island. ...

26 Jun 2019

Awesome Bulletin #4

15 May 2019

Awesome Bulletin #3

17 Apr 2019

Awesome Bulletin #2

Startup Legals 101 Whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table or moving into your first commercial space, you must take your startup seriously from the outset and establish the legal foundations you need...

12 Mar 2019

Funding Advice From a Local Startup

Emily Blythe began her first startup at 16 years old. Since then she has run three startups, funding various companies through a combination of friends and friends investment, grants, and angle investment. Q: Where...

12 Mar 2019

Ten Takeaways on Startup Funding

We recently caught up with startup investor and influencer, Ben Kepes; Canterbury Angels chairman, Paul Claridge; experienced business banker and financial advisor, Dave Armstrong; and Bridget on the subject of funding. Here’s their ten...

12 Mar 2019

Fundamentals of Funding

Fundamentals of Funding “Raising capital takes twice as long, is twice as hard, and costs twice as much then you think it will so plan for this.” – Bridget Unsworth – Investment Director, NZ...

12 Mar 2019

Awesome Bulletin #1

20 Feb 2019

Why Startups Matter for Christchurch

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to finally launch that dream startup and fulfill your goals and ambitions then 2019 is a great year to make it happen. Startup fever has gripped...

13 Feb 2019

Firm financial foundations for startups

✓ No matter what the reason for going into business – you’ll need to underpin it with sound financial planning and management. You need a budget, you need to forecast, and you need to stay...

23 Jan 2019

Five Takeaways From the Jumpstart Your Startup in 2019: Breakfast Club Event

Bright and early on the 6th of December, 60 people from around Canterbury came to the Kahukura building at Ara to hear from three panelists expert in their industry; Amy Kimber, the Tax Manager...

30 Nov 2018

The End Game that Startups Need to Think About

Written by Catherine Harris from Stuff NZ, in partnership with Deloitte. It seems strange when starting a business to think about the day you’ll leave it, but many experts believe it’s vitally important. Company founders...

16 Aug 2018

Ministry of Awesome and Ara create new innovation hub.

18 May 2018

Could Christchurch be a self-sufficient ‘Fab City’?

Could Christchurch join Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam to become a self-sufficient “Fab City”? Eighteen “Fab” cities around the world aim to eventually become self-sufficient, sharing code to 3D print everything they need. Now Carl Pavletich has co-founded Fab...

17 May 2018

Eight leaders named for Government’s digital advisory group

Broadcasting, communications, digital media and government digital services minister Clare Curran has named eight out of 14 members of the Government’s digital economy and digital inclusion advisory group. Frances Valintine, the founder and chair...

20 Apr 2018

Steven Moe: Talking Purpose

Seeds: Talking Purpose Podcasts Welcome to seeds, a weekly show where Steven talks purpose with inspiring people making a positive impact with their lives. With a particular interest in social enterprises and entrepreneurs. Listen to them reflect...

21 Mar 2018

Status Green: How much water do you use?

A scheme to monitor residential water use in Christchurch has won an innovation incubator event and could be awarded local government funding. The Future City Activator ran over the weekend, a tech hackathon focused on...

14 Dec 2017

Awesome Story #3 Feat: Andrew Moss

Andrew was a former computer engineer and high school technology teacher. He moved to Christchurch from Canberra about two and a half years ago with his family. The reasoning behind the move to Christchurch...

30 Oct 2017

Awesome Story #2 Feat: April McLennan

“We’ll each work 80,000 hours in our lives – imagine what we could do with that time.” Q: What inspired you to start Limitless? A: I started Limitless after doing a Social Enterprise Accelerator (Live...

12 Sep 2017

Ministryof Awesome

Ministry of Awesome to launch the Orion Energy Accelerator alongside Orion Group

Asia Innovation Series: HealthTech Opportunities in Asia

Ministry of Awesome to deliver Ara’s new business and innovation courses

How To Finance Your Startup Business

FoodStarter competition supersizes providing boost to supplier community in 2021

Health innovation challenge winners announced

TOP 8 finalists announced in the HealthTech Supernode Challenge 2020

Challenge aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation

7 Practical tips to help your startup through Covid19

COVID-19 Startup Information Pack

How can your business provide exceptional customer experience?

Into the Unknown: Leadership strategy for uncertain times

Leading through uncertainty

Same storm, different boats, shifting perspectives, and seizing opportunities

Financial Forecasting: Understanding the Basics

How to spot opportunity, pivot, and thrive.

Capital raising for startups in hard times

Covid-19: A Crash Course in Video Conferencing Tools

YieldTec robots to end labour shortages in orchards

The Government Support Package as Applicable to Startups

What startups should do while in a bubble

How to handle WFH right now

Should startups use Business Model Canvas or Lean Canvas?

Christchurch startup & innovation fixture moves monthly

9 Grants for Startups in New Zealand

Reading: Source of Knowledge and Entertainament

Validating startup ideas – 10 things to remember

The single most critical step to take before you start your business.

Trans Tasman Collaboration sets startups up for success

10 Digital Marketing Tips for Startups

The Brothers Green: A Sustainable Hempire

An awesome enterprise: Q&A with the Ministry of Awesome’s Chief Awesome Officer Marian Johnson

Fundamentals of Startup Funding

AllGoods is Awesome

Ministry of Awesome and Ara create new innovation hub

10 Legal Tips for Starting Your Startup

FoodStarter 2019 launches 16 September

Awesome Bulletin #4

Awesome Bulletin #3

Awesome Bulletin #2

Funding Advice From a Local Startup

Ten Takeaways on Startup Funding

Fundamentals of Funding

Awesome Bulletin #1

Why Startups Matter for Christchurch

Firm financial foundations for startups

Five Takeaways From the Jumpstart Your Startup in 2019: Breakfast Club Event

The End Game that Startups Need to Think About

Ministry of Awesome and Ara create new innovation hub.

Could Christchurch be a self-sufficient ‘Fab City’?

Eight leaders named for Government’s digital advisory group

Steven Moe: Talking Purpose

Status Green: How much water do you use?

Awesome Story #3 Feat: Andrew Moss

Awesome Story #2 Feat: April McLennan

Awesome Story #1 Feat: Magda Lorenzo

Ministry
of Awesome