Four small businesses and non-profits have won a share of $750,000, thanks to Xero’s inaugural Beautiful Business Fund NZ,
The global small business platform launched the fund to support the future of small businesses and non-profits across the world.
The 2023 edition saw four winners across four categories: innovating for sustainability, strengthening community connection, trailblazing with technology and upskilling for the future.
The New Zealand edition saw three winners, who will receive $20,000 each, and the global winner will receive $70,000.
Buzz Burrows, the luminaire manufacturing business based in Wānaka, is the global winner while also taking home the ‘Trailblazing with technology’ category.
Focused on creating and designing pendant lights, the company is planning to enhance its manufacturing through a state-of-the-art laser cutter that streamlines manufacturing and reduces waste.
“We’ve tested the market and we are ready to take the business from side hustle to main gig, because we live a long way from markets and materials, we have to think laterally to be viable,” says Tony Burrows, designer and owner at Buzz Burrows.
“Embracing new tech and using it to innovate is a fundamental part of our business strategy. The Xero Beautiful Business Fund will enable us to access digital tools that allow us to explore new materials and new designs.”
The Toko Rugby Football Club in Otago won the ‘Strengthening community connection’ category for its work in being inclusive to all sports, not just rugby and football.
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Committee member Ethan Harrex says they have been able to create a community sports hub that is bringing the community together while also providing a place for people to come to both now and in the future.
“We have a big job to do first in upgrading the clubrooms, replacing the roof, doing up the windows and improving the toilets. The place needs a significant face-lift and even some structural repairs, which the Xero Beautiful Business Fund will help us to achieve,” says Harrex.
“We are proud to be investing in helping our club rooms to be better utilised by more of our local community to foster an even more inclusive environment in the years to come.”
Waste management company Kiwi Skips was able to take out the ‘Innovating for sustainability’ category for its dedication in finding a solution to all the construction waste heading into landfill.
Founded by a husband and wife duo, the couple are working together to create Southland’s first resource recovery facility for construction and demolition waste.
Owners Dan and Kereana Butterfield will be using the $25,000 to assist the construction needed to get the project off the ground.
Construction company Intricate Developments have taken out the ‘Upskilling for the future’ category for their work is building futures for the rangitahi in the Waikato region.
They are providing under-privileged rangitahi with an opportunity of employment and upskilling.
“We believe in the power of education and the opportunities it creates. We not only help our next generation develop construction skills, we also help them learn the financial aspects and commitment of upholding a job, with mental health and wellbeing at the core,” says HR and recruitment manager, Anna Saxton.
Through the Beautiful Business Fund, Xero hopes to support these small businesses and non-profits to boost their growth and success with positive impacts for customers and communities.
