PowerUp Business Ready Application Form

Get business ready with PowerUp.

PowerUp Business Ready, delivered in partnership with SODA Inc., takes you through an 8-week series of workshops, where you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to validate your innovative idea or take your startup to the next level.

If you’ve got the next big idea bubbling away, are a startup or an early-stage business, PowerUp Business Ready is for you. You’ll get access to an interactive course framework and resources, hear from expert guest speakers, and learn pitching fundamentals while making connections.  

PowerUp Business Ready is FREE! It will only cost you your time and commitment. 

Programme starts on 16th September and finishes on 11th November. 

Please only fill out the application if you are able to commit to attend all the workshops for 8 continuous weeks.
Key dates:

Applications open 5 August 2025 and close 31 August 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a panel and successful participants will be notified no later than 5 September 2025.

Workshop sessions:

Week 1 16/09/2025, Vision, Goals and Understanding your Customer 
Week 2 23/09/2025, Competitors and Brand Positioning 
Week 3 30/09/2025, Developing a Marketing Strategy 
Week 4 - 07/10/2025, Business Structures 
Week 5 14/10/2025, Financials: Pricing and Key Business Costs 
Week 6 21/10/2025, Financials - cashflow forecasting 

BREAK- No workshop 28/10/2025 

Week 7 04/11/2025, Pitch fundamentals and practice 
Week 8 – 11/11/2025, Pitch Night 

All workshops will be held on Tuesdays at The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth 6.00 - 8.30pm. 

Spaces are limited. Successful applicants will be notified on Friday 5 September. 

Terms and conditions apply.

You are encouraged to include information on: • Why you started the business / the problem you are solving • A description of the main products or services you offer