Next Wave Online: What it really takes to scale a sustainable business

What's holding back the businesses building a better economy? And what would it take to change that?

Join us for a live online conversation exploring the realities of scaling sustainable innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Based on insights from the latest Next Wave report — a collaboration between the Sustainable Business Network and the University of Canterbury — this lunchtime webinar brings together founders from SBN’s Next cohort alongside report author Kate Prendergast to explore the opportunities, challenges and support needed to help future-focused businesses grow and thrive.

Hear directly from:

• Dr Jason Wargent, Founder & Chief Science Officer, BioLumic - UV technology delivering ultraviolet light to seeds and seedlings to trigger biological mechanisms that increase plant growth, vigour and yields.

• Scott Anderson, Global Operations & Finance, Orba Shoes - Redesigning the materials used in footwear to avoid plastics and petrochemicals. Each pair of shoes is made from renewable, plant-based components - from non-toxic adhesives and fabric protectants to compostable packaging.

as they discuss:

• the barriers they face in scaling

• the opportunities they see ahead

• and what kinds of support, partnerships, profile, finance and market signals could help unlock greater impact and growth

Alongside founder perspectives, the session will highlight key themes emerging from the Next Wave research, including the finance gap facing many impact-driven businesses. It will also introduce SBN’s work to explore new models of support through the proposed Sustainable Business Fund.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, corporate leader, advisor or supporter of innovation, this is an opportunity to better understand what it really takes to help future-focused businesses scale.