Recognising that most Uber drivers partners and delivery people have an entrepreneurial spirit, the company is introducing its Business Booster programme to New Zealand in 2024.

Uber has reveals that 70 percent of its drivers are working fewer than 20 hours a week, a perfect environment to work on other business ventures.

The brand hopes to hone in on their drivers’ venture aspirations with its Business Booster programme, which is exclusive to just Uber and Uber Eats driver partners and delivery people.

“It’s amazing for us to be able to expand this program into New Zealand and support even more business starters,” says Uber General Manager of Rides for ANZ, Dominic Taylor. 

“People who earn on the Uber platform have a natural entrepreneurial spirit, and many have other businesses on the side, or an idea they’d love to work on.”

In 2023, Uber was able to support winner Steve Blain, Founder of DBO Golf in Australia, by providing a $2500 initial grant from completing the Business Booster Program masterclass and $50,000 for his T-Up Assist programme.

Blain says that winning has allowed him to invest further in producing his product.

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Uber’s Business Booster programme works alongside business empowerment organisation Inspiring Rare Birds.

Through the programme they hope to give entrepreneurs on the Uber platform the opportunity to kickstart and grow their business via mentoring and online masterclasses.

Undergoing the programme will then culminate to a Shark Tank-style pitch for a share of $100,000 in grant funding.

“This programme helps them take those businesses to the next level, and it’s been so gratifying to watch the first round of participants grow their businesses over the past few months,” adds Taylor.

Applications for the Business Booster Programme is now open and already have over 500 entries from Kiwi drivers and delivery people.