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Starting a business can be a daunting prospect at any age and getting the right advice early can be crucial.
As well as a list of legal requirements, such as securing the business name, getting a business number and registering the company, writing a business plan that encapsulates what the business will achieve, some short-term and long-term goals are essential.
But sharing experiences through networks is also important and, with this in mind, three young business entrepreneurs – Shellie Kloppers, Cassandrea Venter and Sydney Viliua – are setting up a new networking group in Mahurangi.
They are calling the group Young People in Business.
Kloppers says the main aim is to get to know other young business owners in the area, talk to each other and learn from other’s experiences of starting and running a business.
“Cass and I both started our own businesses at the beginning of the year and we were constantly discussing what we had learned and what we wished we had known sooner,” she says. “We felt it would be great to have a network of people we could turn to, to discuss ideas and learn from one another.”
The format of the group is still being developed, but it is likely that it will include guest speakers on topics essential to running a business. This could range from insurance advisors, accountants and tax agents to marketing and business advisors.
“At this early stage, we are keen to find out what others are hoping to get out of joining the group and this will help us tailor the programmes to suit these ideas.”
Kloppers says there won’t be a hard line on who can and can’t join, but members will be required to be a business owner. Contractors or people in their 20s and 30s who are thinking of starting up a business will also be welcome.
The women see the benefits of the group in being able to interact with other business owners, promote members’ businesses and being able to take advantage of a wealth of knowledge not only from others in the group, but speakers as well.
“If you are thinking about starting a business and feel like a fish out of water, you are not alone. If you are a business owner and want to expand your network or feel like you could help some newbies, come and meet some locals, and have a drink and a chat.”
The first get-together will be held at the RE/MAX office in Neville Street on Wednesday July 6, starting at 5.30pm. Drinks and nibbles will be provided by the sponsor RE/MAX Warkworth.
Kloppers says meetings will then be held on the first Wednesday of the month.
Info: Email Shellie at shellie@stubbselectrical.nz or Cassandrea at cassandrea@wealthpointnorth.co.nz
