Council workshops return to empower new businesses

Hutt City Libraries are running an array of business workshops over the coming months aimed at giving budding entrepreneurs the skills they need to build and grow their business.

The ‘Lunch & Learn’ workshops cover topics like building a strong business plan, marketing, deal making, and financial planning.

Hutt City Libraries’ Business Development Manager Annette Beattie says, “There is loads of untapped business potential amongst our residents and Council wants to help unleash that. There is a proven pathway between these ‘Lunch & Learn’ workshops and our Business Boot Camps, we’re here to help support new and growing businesses. It’s part of our commitment to building a city full of opportunities”

The workshops take place at Wainuiomata and Taita Library and are run by Laurie Wilson from Learn.fast and Karline de Boer from Research Services Ltd. The workshops are $5 and include lunch. Payment must be made by the Monday prior to the event at any Hutt City Library.

One Page Business Plan
Building a strong business requires the right tools. A good business plan helps drive and guide your business towards clear, set goals. A robust and agile business plan in regular use is like having a blueprint for success. Come and learn how to develop one.
Wainuiomata Library Friday 18 March, 12.30pm–2.15pm
Taita Library Friday 1 April, 12.30pm–2.15pm

Word of Mouth Marketing
With competition for customers more intensive than ever, marketing has never been more vital. Word of mouth marketing is the most cost-effective way to promote your business. Come and learn a number of simple strategies that will have people talking about your business and easily remembering what you offer. Pass on the good word…
Wainuiomata Library Friday 15 April, 12.30pm–2.15pm
Taita Library Friday 22 April, 12.30pm–2.15pm

Closing the Deal
Sick of people saying, “I’ll get back to you” and they never do? Learn how to overcome this and other business and sales objections. We’ll go over the simple process of steering conversations and turning objections into a positive outcome. If you don’t go to any other ‘sales’ course this year, come to this one!
Wainuiomata Library Friday 20 May, 12.30pm–2.15pm
Taita Library Friday 27 May, 12.30pm–2.15pm

Financial Planning for Start-ups
You’ve got a great new business idea and are ready to go. But funding a start-up business needs careful planning and an understanding of the financial commitment before you even start trading. This workshop will teach you a simple formula for accurately prioritising your set-up requirements, ensuring that your hard-earned investment is used in the right areas.
Wainuiomata Library Friday 17 June, 12.30pm–2.15pm
Taita Library Friday 24 June, 12.30pm–2.15pm