Tell me more about Startup Queenstown Lakes?
The team here at Startup Queenstown Lakes put our heads together to bring you a run-down of what we do for the startup community and how we might be able to assist. We get a lot of questions about the mechanics of Startup Queenstown Lakes; who we help, how we help, why we help and so on. We absolutely know it can be a very daunting task taking your first steps as an entrepreneur, founder, or new-idea generator and it can be equally as daunting learning how to overcome different obstacles once you’re on the path. Whatever stage you’re at, here’s a brief overview of what we’re here for!
Who is Startup Queenstown Lakes?
In short - Startup Queenstown Lakes, is a charitable Trust funded by Queenstown Lakes District Council to help local founders start their entrepreneurial journey. SQL, as we like to call ourselves, is run by a small powerhouse team of entrepreneur and start-up savvy Wanaka-ites and Queenstowners. Our refined team pulls together big and small events, run incredible workshops, create epic content and lead the charge when it comes to the Queenstown Lakes startup eco-system. In the wake of Covid-19, with a new CEO at the helm since early 2020 - Olivia Wensley, we have gone from strength to strength helping more founders than ever before. Our two established courses (Lift Off and Kick Start) have helped many locals startups go from a simple idea to a fully-fledged business. This is hugely rewarding for us to see. SQL team members are business founders themselves and know what it means to take that first step, the mistakes you might make, but also how amazing it is to have the freedom to run your own business.
Meet the team here.
Who do we help?
We’re happy to help anyone in their first two years of their entrepreneurial journey – no matter what age or stage your business (or budding business) is at, our team would love to help. From the very, very beginning right through to raising capital and beyond. Over the past year we have continued to develop Kickstart and Lift Off to assist local startups. We have scholarships available for these courses – email us to find out more. You will need to reside in the region to get our assistance.
I want to sign up to one of your courses, but I’m not sure if it’s the right fit for me?
Shoot us an email and we can schedule a quick phone call to talk through your options. No question or idea is too big or too small, we want to hear from you. Our courses have been developed with entrepreneurs in mind. They are offered ‘live’ (online) but you can watch them back in your own time. The topics we cover are relevant and specific but not too detailed. We know that becoming an entrepreneur comes with lots of learning. SQL host these courses assisted by topic experts – check out our latest team of experts here.
Where are you based?
Queentown and Wanaka. We share the love equally across our two favourite Kiwi towns. We also have team members on both sides of the hill.
How do I know what’s happening at SQL?
The best way to stay in the loop is via our website and monthly newsletters – you can sign up here. We also have an SQL Facebook and Instagram pages, and a Queenstown Lakes Entrepreneurs Facebook Page.
Is SQL a members-based organisation?
We welcome everyone with open arms to be part of SQL, we don’t have a membership and many courses and events are free, or low fee, kindly subsided by QLDC & Callaghan Innovation. If you want to be part of the SQL eco-system then come along to our events, sign up to a course or book in for an open office-hour session with one of our Business Coaches. We know how important it is for founders to be networking - for new contacts, sales opportunities, business partners, or just to be with like minded founders. SQL offer these events regularly.
I want to talk to a Business Coach – how can I do that?
1. Open Office Hours – Queenstown & Wanaka – this is your chance to drop in for a free 15 minute session and have a confidential chat with our business advisors. These sessions can be booked online via our events page.
2. Lift off/ Kick Start courses – we have accountability sessions where you will meet the coaches and you will become acquainted with them throughout the online courses too
3. Reach out via email here.
I have no business experience… am I crazy to think I could ever become an entrepreneur?
Absolutely not! In the words of billionaire founder of Spanx, Sarah Blakley, “don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” Here at SQL we’re here to help, guide and foster our very special startup ecosystem. Everyone starts somewhere and we hope to be able to help you on your journey if this is the path you choose to take!
