Spark Up - Wanaka 2026

Ready to build your business in 2026? Look no further than SPARK UP.

This 5hr in person workshop is designed to move you from thinking to doing.

You will work directly with our business coaches, roll up your sleeves, and bring your idea into focus using the Lean Business Canvas. This is an interactive session with plenty of action and practical momentum.

Whether you are brand new to entrepreneurship or have some experience under your belt, Spark Up gives you the structure and support you need to build an early stage business plan and start making real progress.

We will help you shape your idea, gain confidence, challenge assumptions, and get motivated to move forward.

What you will learn:

• Capture your idea clearly and lay it out on the Lean Business Canvas
• Work directly with experienced coaches who will guide your thinking
• Test your assumptions and understand what your customers truly want
• Identify the key costs involved in getting your idea off the ground
• Add practical structure through simple project management principles
• Collaborate with others in the room and draw energy from their experiences

What to expect:

• One action packed in person session where our coaches keep you focused and accountable
• A supportive environment filled with people on the same journey
• A clear pathway to continue your progress, including eligibility to apply for further programms once the workshop is completed

Who Spark Up is for

• Anyone with a business idea
• Those considering a career change
• Anyone who needs a push to get moving
• People aged sixteen and over...Ideas have no age limit!

Important note about creative projects

The Lean Business Canvas used in this workshop is designed for startup ventures and innovation driven enterprises aiming for scalable business growth. It is not suitable for individuals whose primary work is artistic, literary, or musical. The model does not address the creative process or the ways artistic value is developed and sustained.

If your project is primarily creative, we encourage you to connect with Three Lakes Cultural Trust who are better placed to support creative development pathways.

This event is brought to you by the team at Startup Queenstown Lakes. We are here to support you and bring your idea to life!

Ali, Jinene & Monette
The Team at Startup Queenstown Lakes