Tauranga Business Chamber’s chief executive Matt Cowley says owners of local businesses big and small benefit from support, collaboration and networking opportunities.

Leading an organisation can be a lonely position. It’s easy to feel the weight of the entire business on your shoulders as you carry ultimate responsibility for the finances, marketing, human resources, administration and operations.

It can be a massive relief to meet people in similar roles; to share problems and help each other discover new solutions.  

Our lives feel like they’re only getting busier, so it can be challenging to find time to connect with other business owners and leaders. However, times are extra tough for businesses right now – and that connection has never been more vital.  

I encourage you, if you’re feeling the strain, to prioritise connection. 

Tauranga Business Chamber connects with hundreds of business leaders across all industry sectors on any given month. As the region’s business hub and champion, it’s a great place to start.  

We hold several events a month, covering a range of networking opportunities and leadership conversations with industry and political decision-makers. We also provide targeted forums like our Business Women’s Network and LINKT – Young People in Business.

We also help keep you up to date with the latest trends, legislation changes, and new business support offerings, as well as what’s happening across the Western Bay business community.  

An incredibly effective way to build rapport with people quickly is by offering help without strings attached, sharing experiences, and welcoming them into your network.    

You can do this by meeting like-minded people at our events, or by sharing your expertise through our trusted communication channels.  

We have recently made membership more affordable and accessible to business owners and leaders, allowing you to choose the level you want to engage with us. Our entry-level membership is less than $270 per year and comes with a host of benefits – perfect for small and new businesses.  

As a larger business, membership showcases your corporate citizenship and helps the next generation of businesses. You’re also supporting the Chamber to be a strong, independent voice of business as we advocate for better outcomes for local businesses.   

It’s time to come together, support one another, and ensure the Western Bay’s dynamic business ecosystem continues to thrive through the economic turbulence heading our way. 

Tauranga.org.nz