Auckland’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, thanks to a range of programmes designed to support local businesses and innovators. These initiatives provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful ventures.
University-Led Initiatives
Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)
The University of Auckland’s CIE offers several programmes to nurture entrepreneurial talent:
- Venture Lab: A four-to-five-month incubator programme providing tailored support, mentoring, and access to pre-seed capital to help start-ups secure their first customers and prepare for early-stage investment. Learn more
- Start-up Studio: An on-campus co-working space and community for early-stage founders, offering a collaborative environment to develop start-up ideas. Learn more
- Research to Innovation Hatchery: A twelve-week programme designed to help researchers turn their work into real-world impact through innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn more
AUT’s Ara Tipu Start-Up Programme
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers the Ara Tipu Start-Up Programme, supporting young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 with mentoring, training, and access to seed funding to turn ideas into impactful ventures. Learn more
Community-Based Programmes
South Auckland Young Entrepreneurs (SAYE)
SAYE provides programmes for young adults in South Auckland, helping them explore meaningful pathways and pursue business opportunities. Their offerings include:
- Confident, Resilient & Driven: A five-week programme focusing on personal development and essential skills for employment.
- Ideation, Launch & Grow: A twelve-week programme guiding participants through the entrepreneurial journey from idea generation to business growth. Learn more
The Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC)
WEC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering communities, including ethnic communities, migrant families, and women, through education, digital upskilling, and entrepreneurial leadership. Their programmes support personal, professional, and business growth, offering digital skills development, entrepreneurship training, and business startup support. Learn more
Te Ara Pakihi
Te Ara Pakihi is a kaupapa Māori business programme that strengthens Māori businesses to achieve success. It offers focused growth support, delivered in a mana-enhancing, practical, and future-focused manner. The programme is designed for businesses ready to grow and take the next step. Learn more
These programmes reflect Auckland’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing valuable resources and support to local businesses and innovators.