Running a Business

UPDATE: Due to overwhelming interest, we have moved the event to a bigger venue and released more tickets. Now to be held in the Senior Centre, 206 Cameron St. Ashburton

Join us for this panel discussion on the challenges and advantages of running your own business. 

Learn from 7 local business owners who will share their experiences (good and bad!) and offer advice. There will be an opportunity to ask them your questions too. Some panelists come with expertise in areas such as marketing, bookkeeping and lending so they can provide additional advice around those areas and warn of typical pitfalls to avoid. 

The event will conclude with a cuppa and time to network at the end. 

We welcome anyone interested from rural or urban Mid Canterbury. Relevant for those currently running a business or those considering the possibility for the future. 

This event is organised by Keep Learning Mid Canterbury and is free thanks to all panelists generously volunteering their time. There are, however, limited places so please get your free tickets early to avoid disappointment. 

Panelists:

Ashleigh Rushton: For the past 10 years, Ashleigh has been juggling the chaos of running busy digital marketing agency Rushton Marketing, while raising three small kids. Balancing client campaigns with school pick-ups and bedtime stories is nothing short of an adventure. She's excited to share her journey and a few laughs on this panel!

Bruce Morton: After 20 years in professional Sport Management and experience in various industries, Bruce bought a small retail shop called Tots to Teens. With no previous retail experience, it's been a steep learning curve!

Kim Hamill: Starting her own business from home in 2009, Kim now has a team of five working at Nimba. Nimba are specialist bookkeepers who help business owners have a clear vision of their financial wealth. 

Maria Jimenez: Originally from the Philippines, Maria is the founder of Jimenez immigration, an immigration consultancy, recruitment and advocacy business.

Peter Perte: Originally from Romania, Peter's family arrived in NZ when Peter was a teenager. At just 20 years of age Peter set up his own business, Iconic Car Care, which has been operating for the past 10 years here in Ashburton.

René Artz: For more than 25 years, René has worked in commercial banking roles and advisory positions within accounting and economic development. This year he started his business Kea Mortgages so more people can access mortgage and business lending advice.

Robert Glenie: 10 years ago Rob cleaned a preschool and a medical centre while holding down a full time job. Now he operates Crestclean in 3 different regions, with over 250 customers and 97 people working in his business. As master franchise owner of Crestclean, Selwyn, Mid & South Canterbury, he looks forward to sharing the benefits of becoming a business owner from a franchise point of view.