Kaupapa Māori fintech, IndigiShare, has launched a business growth programme aimed at growing Māori businesses in Rotorua.

Launched with support from the Booster Foundation, Te Aka Matua offers a comprehensive “kick start” for Māori business owners through personalised mentoring, business planning, and financial literacy coaching to support entrepreneurs to build on their business ideas or grow existing ventures.

“As Māori, we are entrepreneurs by nature, and with the decline in our economy, many of our whānau are now entering business ownership as a way to build intergenerational wealth,” said IndigiShare managing director Maria Ngawati (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaue).

“Te Aka Matua symbolises the upward trajectory of business growth and the limitless opportunities that stem from this.

"It is a supportive pou for whānau who are navigating the business world for the first time and provides a kaupapa-Māori space where they safely share their struggles, explore ideas, and learn new tools and skills to realise their whānau aspirations.

"IndigiShare Charitable Trust is a mātauranga Māori led and mana motuhake-driven social enterprise building economic resilience amongst whānau so that we can live in a world where the power of koha grows and enables impact."

With 15 placements available within the inaugural cohort, successful participants will build a comprehensive business plan, gain a deeper understanding of business financials, and craft compelling business pitches to prepare for future investment opportunities.

“Te Aka Matua is more than a business programme; it's a space where pakihi Māori can thrive in a culturally safe and supportive environment," said Ngawati.

“Through connecting our entrepreneurs with expert mentors and whānau-centered tools, we’re helping to build strong, sustainable businesses that reflect the aspirations of our people - but more importantly, we are providing support for those who ordinarily cannot access it."

Applications for Te Aka Matua close on October 18, 2024. For more information, or to apply, visit: https://indigishare.co.nz/education/