YOUR 101 COURSE TO SUCCESSFULLY STARTING YOUR BUSINESS

WHAT IS PERMISSION TO LAUNCH?

Permission To Launch is an innovative 8-week online course designed to empower women with the skills, confidence, and resources to become successful business owners and leaders.

Led by experienced coach and mentor Marie-Claire Andrews and powered by Dairy Women’s Network, this comprehensive course covers essential topics for starting and running a business. Whether you’re looking to diversify your income, develop a side business, or reconnect with a previous career, Permission to Launch provides the knowledge and strategies you need to succeed. 

 Give yourself Permission To Launch NOW.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 21 JANUARY 2025.

WHY CHOOSE PERMISSION TO LAUNCH?
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering key business topics 
  • Interactive learning and hands-on activities 
  • Peer support and networking opportunities 
WHO SHOULD
APPLY?

The Permission To Launch course is versatile and can benefit anyone looking to start or grow a business.

The course is particularly valuable for those who: 

  • Want to diversify their income streams

  • Are interested in developing a side business

  • Wish to reconnect with their previous careers

  • Seek practical knowledge and actionable strategies for business success 
COURSE STRUCTURE

Our 8-week course combines in-depth training sessions and collaborative ‘lab’ sessions, to offer a supportive journey for women ready to take control of their business futures. 

COURSE STARTS 21 FEBRUARY 2025.

The first session commences with a focus on self-discovery and confidence-building. Participants will explore their entrepreneurial mindset, set personal and business goals, and begin crafting their value propositions using the Lean Canvas model. This session emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s strengths and leveraging transferable skills to initiate a business venture. 

The second session delves into the process of identifying and understanding target customers. Participants will learn how to conduct market research, create detailed customer personas, and test their business assumptions. The session provides practical tools for analysing customer demographics, behaviours, and needs, which are crucial for tailoring products and services effectively. 

In the third session involves participant focussing on defining their product offerings. This includes aligning product features with customer needs, exploring various pricing strategies, and understanding logistical considerations. The session will emphasise the importance of a well-defined product that meets customer expectations while also considering factors such as cost and market positioning. 

The fourth session focusses on Branding. Participants will learn about the core elements of branding, including developing a unique selling proposition (USP), creating a compelling brand vision, and establishing brand assets. This session will underscore that branding extends beyond logos and identities to encompass the overall perception and values of a business. 

The fifth session provides an in-depth look at marketing strategies. Participants will develop marketing plans, set goals, and explore various marketing channels, including digital and traditional methods. The session will also cover budgeting for marketing efforts and measuring success through key performance indicators. Special attention will be given to social media marketing and its role in building brand awareness and customer engagement. 

The sixth session addresses the practical aspects of a team and selecting the right technology and tools. Participants will learn about different team roles, the importance of collaboration, and how to choose tools for business management, marketing, and customer relationship management. This session highlights the significance of scalability, Return On Investment (ROI), and efficient resource management. 

The seventh session focuses on financial management and business structures. Participants will create budgets and financial forecasts, explore different business structures, and discuss various funding options. This session provides critical insights into managing finances, understanding legal and tax implications, and exploring alternatives to traditional sales revenue. 

The eighth session is centered on establishing effective habits and seeking help. Participants will learn about creating daily, weekly, and monthly operating routines and review the Business Model Canvas. This session emphasises the importance of celebrating small wins, creating a ‘NOT To Do list,’ and focusing on game-changing tasks. The value of leaving time for future thinking and making the most of available resources will also be highlighted. Additionally, participants will explore various sources of business advice and support, ensuring they are not alone on their entrepreneurial journey. 

LEAD COACH & MENTOR​

Marie-Claire Andrews

Marie-Claire (M-C) is a business development, marketing, and strategic leader. She founded and led ShowGizmo – an event app company that grew to 30 people in three countries. She was the establishment GM of the Wellington Angel Investment network and founding CEO of international software consortium, the Event Tech Tribe.  

She’s also started a tech-startup which funded her Philosophy degree, worked in local government as an Economic Development Advisor, started and sold a café and a MakerSpace, helped several rural/AgriTech companies with growth and managed Sales & Marketing for a listed SAAS company.  

In her spare time, she set up a coworking space in Carterton and is a Trustee for Retired Working Dogs NZ and the Chair of Wairarapa’s Chamber of Commerce, Business Wairarapa. 

GUEST SPEAKERS

Throughout the course, participants will be given the opportunity to hear from guest speakers with incredible insights and experiences in the female entrepreneurial scene. 

NATALIE FERGUSSON​

Natalie is the Co-Founder of Powrsuit, a leadership platform for women, as well as Hatch, a platform revolutionizing investing in New Zealand. Her entrepreneurial ventures also include co-founding MyTours, LimberJobs, and PowerKiwi, alongside initiatives such as All About the Story, PlanHQ, and Decisive Flow.

MELISSA CLARK REYNOLDS

Melissa, an entrepreneur, foresight practitioner, and professional director, was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to the technology industry. At 15, she became New Zealand’s youngest female university student. She founded GMV Associates, later sold to Southern Cross and transformed into Fusion, the country’s largest private workers’ compensation insurer. Melissa also created Minimonos, an eco-friendly social platform for kids, and holds directorships with organizations like Weta Workshop, The Hillary Institute, Radio NZ, and Beef & Lamb NZ.

…and MORE!

MEET THE BEHIND THE SCENES TEAM

KIRSTY RYAN
Course Assistant

 Kirsty has over 20 years local, national, and international experience in Direct, Digital, and Social Media marketing.  She’s a Brand and Marcomms specialist with the ability to link strategy to storytelling across channels at speed. Her roles have included marketing and brand leadership for a range of organisations from large government departments to start-ups and across sectors. 

Living in Wairarapa with her family, she was snapped up for roles at the region’s top Ag and rural software and services businesses; WBS, MyTrucking, Farm Focus, Sharpes Farm Feeds and Taratahi Institute of Agriculture. 

ROSE YOUNG
Project Lead

Rose is the Learning and Development Coordinator at Dairy Women’s Network and has been helping to lead the creation of Permission to Launch. With a passion for the dairy industry, Rose is dedicated to supporting New Zealand dairy farmers and female entrepreneurs. Her planning and coordination efforts ensure that all aspects of the project run smoothly and on schedule. 

Contact Rose.

ALISON FERRIS
Project Co-Lead

Alison is the Communications and Development Director at DWN, a role in which she bridges the gap between Dairy Women’s Network’s volunteer Regional Leaders and the Head Office Team, fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. She played a key role in the trial run of Permission to Launch and is passionate about empowering women to develop and grow their business ideas through this transformative course. 

Contact Alison.

APPLY NOW

Ready to take the first step towards your entrepreneurial journey?

Apply now for the Permission to Launch course and unlock your business potential! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the skills, confidence, and resources you need to become a successful business owner. Join us for a transformative 8-week experience that will empower you to launch your business dreams! 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 21 JANUARY 2025.

Term’s and Condition’s Apply

There are a range of options available across New Zealand for potential funding, grants and helpful resources that could benefit your journey.

Please reach out if you wish to receive a copy of these options.