Budding Kāpiti businesses and entrepreneurs can now register for a free start-up programme aimed at bringing great business ideas to life.

The Pop-Up Business School, which is a comprehensive 10-day course consisting of online and in-person workshops, covers everything from starting a business to online sales and networking.

Councillor Angela Buswell, who holds the business and jobs portfolio at council, says the course is an ideal programme for an emerging business owner or anyone interested in knowing what’s involved in starting a business.

“It will help them to build the confidence and core skills to tap into their personal potential and get out there,” she says.

Not only new businesses can benefit.

“As Kāpiti begins to recover from our work to eliminate Covid-19, we know that our business community is having to adapt and pivot to a new normal.

“If you’re a small business facing change and have some ideas on how you might do that, this course can help you also.”

Now in its third year in Kāpiti, the programme is delivered by Pop-Up Business School Aotearoa with support from Kāpiti Coast District Council, WellingtonNZ and the Ministry of Social Development.

“We’ve seen some exciting new businesses popping up across Kāpiti after going through the programme, with 60 percent of participants in 2019  having either started, or in the process of starting a business,” Angela says.

Spots are limited to 75 participants and registrations can be made at www.popupbusinessschool.nz/kapiti-coast-jun-2020.html

Local businesses are also encouraged to enter the annual Electra Business and Innovation Awards and the Wellington Gold Awards.

The Electra awards celebrate innovation and best business practice across all industries and sectors in Kāpiti and Horowhenua, and this year include a Covid-19 innovation award.

Both events are well established and notable Kāpiti businesses such as Omeo Technology and NZ Proud have overcome regional competition in previous years to be recognised for their work.

To enter the Electra awards go to bkh.org.nz  before July 5; and the Gold awards enter at the website goldawards.co.nz by July 2.