Start your business and live your life on your own terms.
Step into Your Freedom and Thrive
Listen along while exploring our website
Step into Your Freedom and Thrive
Listen along while exploring our website
Enabling early-stage entrepreneurs
to take their aspirations and ideas to the next stage
#StartStrong and #GrowTogether
You’re not stuck — just missing the right kind of support?
Starting a business can feel confusing, uncertain, and lonely. You’re full of ideas, but unsure if this is the right path, if the timing is right, or even how to begin.
You’re not lacking potential — you’re just missing the support to start strong. And growing alone? That only makes it harder.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or running a new business, we’re a collective enabling entrepreneurs to start strong and grow together through resources, connections and active collaboration.
Let’s plant the seeds of your vision and grow something powerful together.
You’ve got ideas — maybe even big dreams — but it’s easy to get stuck wondering if this is the right time, if you’re ready, or if it’ll really work.
Without a clear path, fear and uncertainty can keep you from starting.
That’s why we give you a proven roadmap to launch — so you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Step by step, you’ll gain confidence, clarity, and the direction you need to move forward.
#StartStrong
Starting a business with limited resources is tough — especially when you don’t know where to begin or what level to play at. Is your idea strong enough? Do you need funding? What comes first?
We simplify the process.
Using practical tools from world-leading startup accelerators, you’ll learn how to build a business model, validate your idea, and create a plan that fits your life — even if you’re starting small.
#GrowTogether
When you don’t have role models or support around you, starting a business can feel lonely.
Inside the EmpowerMe Collective, you will connect with local entrepreneurs, some just like you at the same stage, and community leaders who understand your journey and are ready to support you. With real-life examples, expert interviews, and practical collaborations, you will find inspiration, guidance, and services to help move your business forward.
#EmpowerMeCollective
Disclaimer
This is not for you if you believe that supporting another entrepreneur takes something away from you.
Join the StartUp NZ Entrepreneurs Programme, brought to you in partnership with NZ Entrepreneur.
This is more than a course. It’s your opportunity to develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset, learn proven business principles, and turn your idea into a structured, launch-ready plan. You’ll be joining over 1,600 others who’ve taken this step toward gaining the knowledge and confidence to finally bring their business idea to life.
#StartStrong
Discover your next-step opportunities—your low-hanging fruits.Sign up for a free 30-minute strategy call to explore your business ideas and identify crucial next steps. Whether you're just getting started or already running a business, we’ll help you tap into our network, uncover early-stage collaboration opportunities, or engage in coaching—let’s grow and thrive together.
#GrowTogether
Connecting with community groups, local sponsors, and leaders to uplift aspiring entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a business and a fulfilling life. We believe local entrepreneurs are the heart of vibrant communities and a thriving economy in Aotearoa.
#EmpowerMeCollective
Through my work with Te Whare Hukahuka and Rebel Business School (now Bizezi), I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs across 18 countries start their own businesses. Again and again, I’ve seen how having a clear roadmap — and not doing it alone — is what separates those who succeed from those who keep their ideas on the shelf.
That’s what inspired me to create the EmpowerMe Collective — to support early-stage entrepreneurs and those just starting out, especially those with the least access to resources. Because I believe those with the biggest potential are often the ones most overlooked — and when supported, they go on to create thriving businesses, stronger families, empowered communities, and lasting impact.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a FREE strategic call with me and let’s get you moving !
Join the EmpowerMe Collective email list and get instant access to three free lessons from our Startup NZ programme — designed to help you take confident first steps.
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Check out upcoming collaborations and more
Want to learn more? Email us or Book your FREE Strategy Call Now.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Peter Drucker
Empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the right foundations, support, and collaborations to confidently start, stay in business, live life at their own terms and thrive.
EmpowerMe Collective is for early-stage entrepreneurs — especially those feeling stuck, unsure of their next step, or lacking access to support. If you’re ready to build a business on your own terms with the right tools, mindset, and community — you’re in the right place.
Nope! Whether you're still exploring ideas or already taking steps, we’re here to help you get clear, gain confidence, and take action. The StartStrong pathway can help you validate, shape, and launch your idea with support.
It’s an online course we proudly offer in collaboration with NZ Entrepreneur. You’ll learn proven startup principles, gain entrepreneurial clarity, and access curated resources (250+ tools, interviews, case studies, and more). Over 1,600 people have taken the course since 2020.
Your free call with Manu is a personalised check-in to explore where you're at, uncover opportunities, and identify your best next step — whether that’s community support, collaboration, coaching, or all three.
Grow Together creates real-world collaboration opportunities — from co-promotions and cross-selling to connecting with local partners and getting featured in media. It's about going further, faster, through trusted relationships.
There’s no cost to join the community or access the free resources. Some coaching or promotional services may have costs, but we’re transparent and always start with value-first, no-pressure support.
Absolutely. If you’re a business leader, coach, organisation, or simply passionate about uplifting local entrepreneurs — we’d love to connect. Let’s explore how we can support this ecosystem together.
Sign up to Connect & Grow — our email series that gives you:
It’s the easiest way to take action and stay supported.