Want to figure out if your business idea has legs? Or do you already have a home business and want to take the next steps? We’ve partnered with Xero and put together three events full of information, one each month to help you get on your way.

Starting at 5.30pm, one of our speakers will have five minutes per topic (minimum 7 topics per evening) to cover the basics. Then there’ll be a full Q&A session afterwards so you can glean answers from our experts that relate to your individual business.

We are limited to 40 per event, so be sure to get in quick and reserve your spot.

Ready – Tuesday 23rd August

What you’ve got to consider when getting ready to launch your own business.

Market research and testing, what’s your unique selling point
Consider any industry regulations and compliance requirements
Writing a business plan or business model canvas
Pricing strategies and cost of goods
Assess your finances (cashflow and budgeting, financial literacy)
Choosing a business structure
Choosing and securing a business name
Business mentors

Introducing our speakers for this event...


Humphrey Hart Senior Analyst	Liz Beale Xero NZ	Richard Ashby Tax Specialist	Lisa Garrud Marketing	Bill Bain Business Advisor

Set – Wednesday 21st September

What do you need to organise before going into business?

Getting a RealMe login, registering your company and registering for GST
Tax obligations
Considering insurance and ACC
Business banking
Small business accounting (budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss, deductible expenses)
Developing a brand, considering trademark registration
Building your team (staff and resources)

Introducing our speakers for this event...


Amy Street Business Advisory	Richard Ashby Tax Specialist	TBA Xero NZ	Lisa Garrud Marketing	Will Allan Hello Monday

Go – Wednesday 19th October

What do you need to do to get going?

Marketing and advertising – website, socials, etc
Tech solutions – business applications, safe data, payroll
Collaborations and partnerships
Bookkeeping
Networking
Annual accounts and tax
Launch

Introducing our speakers for this event...


Lisa Garrud Marketing	Humphrey Hart Senior Analyst	TBA Xero NZ	Amy Street Business Advisory	Yi Ping Ge Business Advisory

About Gilligan Sheppard

There is a significant difference between Gilligan Sheppard and traditional accountancy practices. If that seems like an extravagant statement to you, good. We planned it that way.

Conventional accounting practices struggle to solve the complex problems faced by the kind of people we work with. The curious, unorthodox, out-of-the-box thinkers always open to alternative solutions.

Traditional accountants may not mesh with people like you. We see beyond the numbers and data. We get people and ideas.

You need a partner whose creative drive matches yours.

At Gilligan Sheppard, we are proud to be different. We do not want to be like anyone else. We do not want to look like anyone else. And we certainly do not act like anyone else.

About Xero New Zealand

We help small businesses thrive worldwide. Xero’s online accounting software connects small business owners with their numbers, their bank, and advisors anytime. Our team loves to help businesses, accountants and bookkeepers automate, collaborate and grow.

"Life before Xero was a nightmare. Using a spreadsheet took a ridiculous amount of time."

Find out what Xero can do. Learn how Xero’s online accounting software can make running your business easier. Xero automates many day-to-day tasks and keeps you up to date on the money side of things wherever you are.