Developing Strong, Sustainable Rotorua Businesses
The Rotorua Business Academy is a structured capability-building programme designed for Rotorua SME business owners who are already trading, employing a team, and ready to improve business performance and resilience.
Delivered by the Rotorua Business Chamber, the Academy combines facilitated workshops, personalised coaching, and long-term peer connection—supporting business owners to step back from day-to-day pressures and focus on strategy, leadership, and growth.
What's on this page:
- Who the Academy is For
- Your Facilitator
- How the Programme Works
- Programme Dates
- Why Join?
- What You'll Gain
- Workshop Themes
- Register Interest
- FAQs
The Rotorua Business Academy is designed for business owners who:
- Are actively trading and employing staff
- Want to improve performance and sustainability
- Are ready to take a strategic approach to running their business
- Value accountability, structure, and peer learning
Your Facilitator - Jamie Brock
Jamie is an experienced growth facilitator who has extensive experience owning and operating small businesses. He understands that running a business is not easy and that it can at times be lonely and stressful. For the past several years Jamie has advised a wide range of businesses across regional New Zealand and his clients value his experience and practical advice to help them transform their business.
Recent customer feedback about Jamie:
- In 13 years of business, working with Jamie is the single best thing I have ever done!
- Honestly, I cannot rate Jamie highly enough
- Jamie is excellent and a super fit for our group, and myself.
- Jamie was great. I like his attitude and wealth of knowledge.
- Jamie was a fantastic facilitator and made the effort to understand everyone’s individual situation and how to apply the topics to those situations.
- Jamie you are an amazing facilitator, I hope you know that!
- Awesome work! Jamie was great & made the whole experience a lot less daunting that expected!
Part One – The Core Programme
Over six months, participants complete:
- Six half-day, in-person workshops delivered in Rotorua
- Three one-on-one coaching sessions (online or in person)
- Six months of support from an experienced business coach
Part Two – Alumni Network
Graduates are invited to join the Rotorua Business Academy Alumni Network, providing ongoing business connection beyond the formal programme through:
- Alumni gatherings
- Networking events
- Alumni breakfast meet-ups
- Programme commencement: Wed 22 July
- Then on the second Tuesday of each month as follows:
- 11 Aug
- 8 Sep
- 13 Oct
- 10 Nov
- 8 Dec
- Deadline for applications: Mon 22 June
Why Join the Rotorua Business Academy?
Running a business can be isolating. Many owners are excellent at their trade but have never been supported to intentionally design a strong, resilient enterprise.
The Rotorua Business Academy builds leadership capability, financial confidence, and strategic focus—helping business owners strengthen foundations and plan for long-term success.
Participants can expect to leave the Academy with:
- A clear business vision and strategy
- A personal leadership report
- Financial KPIs tailored to the business
- Documented people systems and processes
- A defined client engagement process
- A practical marketing activity plan
- A prioritised business action plan
- Put Your Business Under the Microscope
- Leadership That Drives Change
- Understanding Your Numbers
- Building a Great Team
- Client Engagement & Business Development
- Taking Your Business Forward
Cohorts are intentionally small to ensure a high-quality experience.
To learn more about the Rotorua Business Academy or to discuss whether the programme is right for your business, please contact:
Charlie Windell
Regional Growth Advisor, Regional Business Partner Network
Rotorua Business Chamber
Who is the Rotorua Business Academy designed for?
The Academy is designed for Rotorua SME business owners who are already trading and employing a team. It suits owners who want to improve business performance, strengthen leadership capability, and take a more strategic approach to running their business.
Is this programme suitable for start-ups or new businesses?
No. The Rotorua Business Academy is intended for established businesses. Participants gain the most value when they already have customers, staff, and operational systems in place.
How long is the programme?
The core programme runs over six months and includes workshops and individual coaching. Graduates are then invited to continue their journey through the Rotorua Business Academy Alumni Network.
What does participation involve?
Participants attend six in-person workshops in Rotorua, receive three one-on-one coaching sessions, and have access to ongoing support from an experienced business coach across the programme period.
What is the Alumni Network?
Graduates of the Rotorua Business Academy are invited to join the Alumni Network, which provides ongoing opportunities to connect with fellow business owners through networking events, alumni gatherings, and breakfast meet-ups.
Where is the programme delivered?
Workshops are delivered in person in Rotorua. Coaching sessions may take place in person or online.
How many businesses will be in each cohort?
Cohort sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure a high-quality experience, meaningful discussion, and individual support.
When does the next programme start?
The next intake is planned to begin in July, with final dates confirmed ahead of launch.
How much does the programme cost?
Investment details will be shared directly with interested businesses. Please contact Charlie for further information.
How do I know if this programme is right for my business?
A conversation before enroling is encouraged to ensure the Academy is the right fit and that participants can gain maximum value from the experience.
How do I register my interest?
For further information or to discuss the Rotorua Business Academy, please contact:
Charlie Windell
Regional Growth Advisor, Regional Business Partner Network
Rotorua Business Chamber