Regional SMEs get AI boost through BNZ workshops
Nine businesses in the Manawatū-Whanganui region will soon gain access to strategic growth tools through the BNZ Growth Academy – an expanded programme supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across New Zealand.
The programme, delivered in partnership with strategic planning platform D/srupt, provides workshops and AI-driven tools to help business owners develop performance strategies, refine operations, and unlock long-term growth potential.
Helping owners shift from daily operations to big-picture planning
Brandon Jackson (pictured), BNZ’s general manager of growth sectors, said the initiative reflects the need for businesses to focus more on long-term strategy rather than day-to-day firefighting.
“As New Zealand’s largest business bank, we’ve seen time and again how successful businesses thrive when owners can step back from daily firefighting to focus on strategy,” Jackson said in a media release.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Growth Academy workshop will take place on July 22. Participating businesses include:
- Air Dynamics
- Central Environmental
- Freedom Plus
- Jones Brothers
- Law Corner
- Roadrunner Manufacturing
Feilding accounting firm finds early success
Feilding-based Advanced Accounting was among the first to benefit from the programme during last year’s pilot. Director Aaran McLeod said it offered new insights that they’ve already started implementing.
“We’re always about constant improvement, and this was another layer of refinement – further improving how we operate and make decisions,” McLeod said.
“The Impact Return Model stood out as a powerful framework to evaluate where to focus our efforts for the greatest return and impact.”
He also highlighted the relevance for a wide range of businesses: “It’s a great chance to work on the business rather than just in it. The content is applicable no matter where you are in your journey.”
AI-driven planning aligned with national digital strategy
BNZ’s focus on AI-driven strategy aligns with New Zealand’s rising adoption of artificial intelligence.
D/srupt’s AI tools personalise strategic planning and reduce the time needed from hours to minutes – removing a key barrier for busy SME owners.
“Our platform cuts through the complexity that often makes strategic planning feel overwhelming,” said Debbie Humphrey, founder of D/srupt.
“What might have taken a full day of workshops can now be done in minutes.”
Launched in March, the 12-month programme includes workshops in 16 regions and online access to D/srupt’s platform, as well as support from BNZ specialists in banking and funding.
It aims to reach over 1,400 businesses nationwide.
Brian Gardner, BNZ’s head of commercial, agri, and business for Wellington and the Top of the South, said the workshops reflect BNZ’s wider regional investment strategy.
“We recognise that regional businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies, so we have dialled up our specialist support with our small business partners and agribusiness teams available to meet customers in branch,” Gardner said.
“Since April this year, all our branches have been open at least five days a week… and we’re upgrading branches to improve the in-person experience, including recent refurbishments in Palmerston North and upcoming works in Fielding.”
