SME Owners Programme
- Measurable Performance Transformation -
Did COVID 19 provide you
If your business needs assistance or if your business needs to launch into a new phase of growth then this programme could be right for you and your business.
Is this programme right
for my business?
Get a FREE no obligation consultation to find out.
Book a 30-minute consultation with one of our Consultants to learn more about this special programme for Owners of smaller businesses with big vision for growth.
Take Your Business to the NEXT LEVEL
– What will you take away from the programme? –
A well-conceived
promotion plan
– Reach the right customers –
An easy & powerful
conversation process
– Increase sales with better communication –
A high-performing team
– Increase productivity and delivery –
A profitable business model
– Gain more financial freedom and leisure time –
… and so much more!
Is this programme actually going to benefit my business?
- Get access to professional business Advisors and Coaches to help grow your unique business at an affordable price.
- Start with an inspiring Growth Plan using our unique template.
- Find the time and energy to focus on getting results from your business and taking the right actions to build sustainable growth.
- Make your business work for you and have the accountability and support to make a measurable difference to the achievement of your business goals.
- Be part of a network of passionate SME owners who ‘get it’ and who want you to succeed as much as you do.
Get a FREE no obligation consultation to find out:
Next Steps: Your business could be eligible for funding through the Regional Business Partners Network. Growing Organisations is a registered Provider.
Fill out the form online, specifying that you want to work with Growing Organisations, and one of our Consultants will get in touch to figure out if this programme will work for you.
Or book a 30-minute conversation with us and we will answer any questions you have on funding for our programme.
Here’s What Others Say about Our SME Programmes…
I am working with Ross of Growing Organisations. Ross is absolutely brilliant! His experience and knowledge is awesome. He asks great questions and listens well and then he gets to the issue. Ross loves to see organisations grow and he also loves to work with people who want to reach their potential and who are willing to do what is required to achieve that. Ross is gentle but purposeful in the way he approaches everything and everyone. I more than highly recommend Ross from Growing Organisations to anyone who needs an executive coach or wants to grow their organisation.
Rosemarie Brown
Small Business Owner, Auckland
My husband and I recently worked with Ross of Growing Organisations to support our graphic design business through the difficult Covid19 lockdown period and get us prepared for “what happens next?” Ross was absolutely AMAZING! He evaluated our financial situation and developed an easy-to-implement plan for increasing lead generation and sales. Ross is warm and patient, but also motivating and results driven! His advice and support quickly translated into new business opportunities for us. I highly recommend Ross to anyone looking to grow their business. His immense knowledge and experience will be an invaluable benefit to your business. Thank you so much Ross!
Angela & Ross Murray
Red Spark Creative, Auckland
Ross from Growing Organisations is a great person to talk to if you need expert opinion on running your business efficiently, be it a start-up, mid-size company or corporate. He has a very clear way of providing appropriate solutions to run your business. He is a good listener and is very patient to hear your challenges. The most important thing about him is that he keeps his calm and understands the issue to provide a very clear action plan. I totally recommend using his services.
Abhijeet Chaves
Map Tech Ltd, Auckland
Only amazing things to say about Ross at Growing Organisations. Ross has worked globally and has a wealth of business knowledge that he is willing to pass on. Meeting with Ross is a pleasure and we love his passion for helping his clients create high performing, profitable businesses. If you are considering a business coach highly recommend Ross.
Bryce Leckie
Leck Electrical, Auckland
I highly recommend Ross and the team at Growing Organisations. They've helped me make better business decisions that have grown our brand. They give insights and encourage me to focus in on key areas of growth and be intentional about our business' direction and future.
Chris Lange
1st Class Gardens, Auckland
Ross Wilson has helped me with my business on numerous occasions; he’s so natural at what he does that he can’t help himself bringing value to people’s businesses wherever he goes - it’s what he does! A true inspirer and encourager; he’s filled with ways to empower any organisation. I highly recommend him!
Frederick Müller
My Promo Video, Auckland
Ross and the team at Growing Organisations have worked with our site on a number of occasions over the last few years and we trust in their ability to engage and positively coach our employees ... We would highly recommend them as they have a genuine desire to provide development opportunities that are effective and relevant to our business. Their expertise, approachability, and ability to work strategically with us ensures we support our team with their own personal development goals as well as achieving what we need from them for our business.
Wendy Hoare
HR Business Partner, ABB Ltd.
“The road to success is always under construction…”
Meet Our Business Advisors & Coaches
Our hugely experienced and qualified team will be in your corner from Day 1 to actively back you through each level of personal and business growth.
Michelle Keating
Michelle brings her broad experience in team leadership, marketing, small business ownership, and workshop facilitation. As well as her strong organisational skills and sense of good process.
Kate Suhonen
Kate brings a broad experience of the issues challenging business leaders. With more than 20 years global experience in HR, Training and Development, Health, Safety and Wellbeing she is skilled in change management and employee engagement.
Guest Coaches
From time to time throughout the programme we will invite specialists from our network, who are committed to helping other business owners to succeed, to provide coaching on relevant topics.
How does the programme work?
Every month, we provide a regular series of seminars, workshops, action planning, group and individual coaching, private growth strategy & advice, with the flexibility to respond to important things happening on the ground while working on your business.
A monthly group session including:
Seminars & Workshops
Each month focuses on one key business topic with input from a specialist and group activities, planning & execution.
Peer Break-Outs
Your chance to share your objectives and achievements, give and receive feedback, and be supported and held accountable.
Hot Seat
In each session one group member has the opportunity to take the hot seat and get input from the collective wisdom of the group on an issue they are facing in their business.
Q&A With Experts
Our regular open Q&A sessions give you the opportunity to ask an expert consultant for advice on any business topic.
Plus in between sessions, Anytime Advice and tools to help you implement your growth plans.
Members Toolbox
Seminar notes and related tools and templates to make business easier.
1:1 Advice Call
A catch up and progress check to help with application and implementation.
Peer Review Team
Get more practical advice from your small group of peers and benefit from accountability.
Networking & Social Events
Expand your network and spend time getting to know the other members of the programme in a social setting.
Take Your Business
To The Next Level
To The Next Level
When you join The SME Owners Programme, you get access to expert Business Advisers and the collective wisdom of like-minded Kiwi business owners who have faced similar issues to you.
You belong to a supportive and trusted group of business leaders who are helping each other grow their businesses by taking consistent action.
We designed this group coaching programme to help Kiwi business owners navigate the ups and downs of the challenging and ever-changing business landscape.
Online attendance is available for those at a distance. Ask for details.
I highly recommend Ross and the team at Growing Organisations. They've helped me make better business decisions that have grown our brand. They give insights and encourage me to focus in on key areas of growth and be intentional about our business' direction and future.
Chris Lange
1st Class Gardens, Auckland
“Our business development coaching & advice deals with the realities of NZ business – in the Kiwi way – head-on, straight-talking, down-to-earth, and with genuine professional and peer support.”
—Ross Wilson, Entrepreneur, Business Adviser, and Founder of Growing Organisations
Why Choose Our Coaching Programme?
These sessions deal with the realities of NZ business with genuine professional and peer support. Reap the benefits of collective wisdom of the group.
✓ Practical business training topics
✓ Access to experienced & professional coaches
✓ Collaboration and support
✓ Feedback and accountability
✓ Fresh ideas and group problem-solving
✓ Cost-effective business coaching
✓ Group size limited to 20 (in-person)
✓ Members’ online resource centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my business eligible for funding?
We are registered suppliers with Regional Business Partners Network (RBPN). Get in touch with us to talk about whether your business might be eligible for funding.
Why a monthly programme?
We have found that building a sustainable, successful business takes time and attention to many different aspects of the business.
This programme is intensive and requires rapid application and produces great results quickly. Even so, at least one year with monthly sessions is normally desirable.
What are the dates and times for the programme?
The programme runs on a monthly calendar, with the in-person session (with online attendance available) generally being held on the first Wednesday of the month in Auckland.
This is then followed by our Zoom group coaching session on the third Wednesday of the month from 9.30am-10.30am. You will also meet regularly with your Business Coach throughout the month, and meet informally with the other members of the programme in the final week of the month.
For a full calendar of our upcoming dates, please get in touch with us.
How long are the various sessions in the programme?
The monthly group in-person meeting is 3 hours (9.30am-12.30pm) with coffee and networking for 30 mins before and after. This includes a seminar presented by a subject matter expert, an application workshop facilitated by our Coaches. (Online attendance available)
Between each in-person meeting there is a one-hour online meeting for review and Q&A with a subject matter expert and our Coaches.
The regular “informal board” meeting of peers for accountability and progress-checking is about an hour at a convenient location.
Both ad hoc and regular private Business Coaching happens by arrangement throughout the month in sessions of up to an hour.
Additional time and energy is required for planning and implementation every month.
Are there any pre-requisites for attending the programme?
Enrolment in the SME Owners Programme is by invitation only. It is designed for business owners and senior members of their team and restricted to Owners who demonstrate genuine long-term commitment to the growth of their business. If you’re one of those, then you can be sure you will find yourself among similarly motivated entrepreneurs.
In order to get the most out of this programme, and to be a good fit in our community, you will exhibit these qualities:
✓ You have been in business for at least two years.
✓ You are based in or around the Auckland area (or able to join us online with reliable technology).
✓ You value learning from experts and other Owners’ experience & are committed to full participation in the programme.
✓ You’re keen to share your own experiences and lessons learnt to help others.
✓ You have a vision and passion for your business & welcome help to figure out the details.
✓ You’re driven and committed to taking consistent action.
✓ You understand the power of collaboration and support networks.
✓ You’re willing to be open and honest about your challenges.
✓ You have full funding committed to the investment (including RBPN subsidies if appropriate).
Is this 1:1 Coaching?
This is a group coaching programme with some individual attention included. 1:1 Business Development Coaching is offered as an optional add-on for a fee and will help with specific application and more speedy implementation of the learning in the programme.
Is this a "Networking Group"?
No, networking is not the purpose of this programme. However, there will be opportunities for you to network and do business with other members, and we encourage Owners to participate in “Networking Groups” and local Business Associations as appropriate.
The primary purpose of this programme is learning, planning and implementation to grow the health and profitability of your business.
What are the Seminars and Workshops about?
Subjects for these elements of the programme will cover all of the essential elements of running a successful business in NZ, including:
- Building a profitable and easy to run business that requires less of your attention.
- Reaching, attracting and converting the best customers for your business
- Developing a high-performing team to take care of your customers and of your business
- Becoming a successful, free and financially secure entrepreneur who takes care of themselves and their loved ones.
What are the "Pop-Up Workshops" about?
From time to time, when a particular need emerges, a half-day or one-day workshop or 45-minute webinar will be offered in addition to the regular programme. These provide opportunities to dig deeper, learn more and apply powerful strategies with more intensity. Members have access to these at heavily discounted prices (essentially cost-recovery for GOL).
What if I can't make it to every session?
We strongly recommend that you attend all sessions. If you don’t want to share germs, then joining us online may be an option. However, if you can’t attend a session because of illness, bereavement of family crisis, then we will do what we can to give you access to a recording or repeat of the missed content.
Can I send a substitute if I can't make a session?
Yes. If it’s not possible for you to attend a session, you may send a staff member or business partner who will take the learning back to your business for implementation. This is preferential over watching recordings. For the integrity of the programme and the value to all members, we ask that you limit substitution to no more than 3 sessions in a 12-month period.
How will the programme respond to lockdowns or other social distancing requirements?
Of course, we will be compliant with Government directives and evaluate other voluntary recommendations. This may mean we should pivot to online meetings from time to time. If so, only the monthly in-person meeting will be affected.
Can you guarantee results?
We wish we could but no, we can’t, sorry. There are many factors in business success which you control but we don’t, so we encourage you to make a firm commitment to back yourself.
With this programme, we have aimed to provide realistic, proven approaches to the most influential success factors. We back them with our own considerable experience (about 280 years and numerous businesses between us) but your own choices and actions have the power to determine the actual results.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Please refer to our standard Terms of Trade, available on the footer of each page of this site.
In short, there are no refunds but under certain circumstances we will consider an application for a refund.
Can I join at any time?
To minimise the disruption of new members joining the cohort, we limit joining to three times a year: February, May, September. Once you have joined, and paid the relevant fees, your place is guaranteed for you.
Space is strictly limited to 20 members meeting in person (per location), and up to 20 more online. We operate a waiting list, with online members having priority for in-person places when they become available.
Find out if the SME programme is a fit for my business?
Are you looking to…
Build a profitable and easy to run business that requires less of your attention?
Reach and attract the best customers for your business?
Develop a high-performing team to take care of your customers and your business?
Become a successful, free, and financially secure entrepreneur?
Talk to us and find out how this programme can help you achieve your business goals.
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