If you’re starting out in business, or need support to grow your enterprise, Venture Taranaki can provide guidance and support.
Enterprise Support
Whatever sector, size or stage your business is at, Venture Taranaki’s team of Enterprise Advisors is here to help.
Find capability support, mentors, and R&D funding.
PowerUp
PowerUp is all about growing, connecting, and supporting enterprise ideas and capability, and harnessing the expertise and passion required to develop our region's entrepreneurship ecosystem. Find out about the workshops, programmes, and support for new business and new ideas.
Startup and New Business Clinic
A free, confidential, one-on-one 45-minute consultation with our experienced Business Adviser.
These are best suited to those at the idea stage, or in the first year of business.
Raising Capital
Is your enterprise investment-ready? Is investment the right pathway to help you get to the next level? Explore resources for business, and get in touch with our Investment Advisor.
Pakihi Māori
Connect with Māori entrepreneurs, learn about Māori business in Taranaki, and find resources to help grow your enterprise in the spirit of whanaungātanga.
Business Events, Seminars, Training, and Workshops
View the business events calendar to find out whats coming up.
Startup and New Business Clinic
Our Startup and New Business Clinics offer a confidential, free, one-on-one 45-minute consultation with our experienced Business Advisor. You will have the chance to ask any business questions, ranging from planning to sales and marketing.
These clinics are best suited to those at the idea stage, not commercially trading, not GST registered, a Sole Trader, those without a business plan, or with an annual turnover of less than $100K.
Do Business, Invest, Innovate and Export Story
Enterprising Opportunity
New Zealand's rising star.
Enterprises and entrepreneurs thrive here - take a look at our Business, Export, Invest, and Innovate Story.
Meet the team
Jennifer Patterson
General Manager Economic DevelopmentTaranaki born and raised, Jenn has been with Venture Taranaki for over a decade, as a Business Advisor, Business Analyst, and Corporate Services Manager. With a background in journalism, marketing, and business development, she is passionate about helping enterprises in Taranaki grow. Outside the office, you’ll find Jenn racing mountain bikes and coaching kids at Mangamahoe Forest.
Natacha Dunn
Enterprise LeadOriginally from France, Natacha moved to Taranaki in 2010 with her family and is now proud to call Taranaki home. With a background in supply chain from the UK automotive industry, she now relishes her role as Enterprise Lead, helping enterprises, and the region grow. Natacha enjoys bringing people together and exploring ways to share Taranaki’s talent with the world. Away from the office, she makes the most of family time down at the beach, catching up with friends and enjoying the local arts and restaurant scene.
Jane Moffitt
Senior Enterprise AdviserWith a background in recruitment and human resources from UK, Australia, and NZ, Jane brings passion and experience to the team. As a talented connector, and big-picture thinker Jane enjoys being part of the growth of our region, its people, and enterprises. Jane considers it a privilege to be part of this amazing province. Away from the office she enjoys exploring Taranaki on her e-bike, going to the beach with her labradors, as well as being spoilt for choice for great places to drink coffee with friends.
Nick Field
Senior Enterprise AdviserNick has a background of more than 20 years of international new product development and innovation, delivering award-winning product designs to global markets. He has a master’s degree in design process innovation. When the surf is flat, Nick enjoys being able to help local startups get started and established companies to co-fund their growth.
Kayleen Schoeman
Mentor Manager and Startup CoordinatorAn experienced programme coordinator skilled in customer service, volunteer recruitment and relationship management, Kayleen is proud to be Taranaki born and bred. She is passionate about building a strong and vibrant community to live, work, and play. When she’s not running the Business Mentors programme, Kayleen enjoys playing the ukulele, volunteering as a Companion for the Taranaki Seasons for Growth programme and running around after her family and farmyard friends on their lifestyle property.
Ronelba Blanco
Enterprise AdvisorOriginally from Venezuela, Ronelba moved to Taranaki in 2012 with her family. She's an engineer with a master's degree in business admin and over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, project and stakeholder management, business planning, and digital marketing, bringing a unique blend of expertise to the team. Ronelba's enthusiasm lies in getting to know local businesses and supporting their growth journey. Away from the office, she loves cooking, meditating, and spending time with family and friends.
Request support
Our Enterprise Advisers are available to talk through your business aspirations and connect you with the resources you need. If you would like someone to contact you, please fill in this enquiry form.