TH!NK accelerate enterprise journey with Whanake Ake
Whānau business TH!NK is about to become a reality with support through Tipu Ake Tonu’s (TAT) new Whanake Ake product proving to be a key ingredient.
Izaiah Lange (23) found himself back home in Napier due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A local Maraenui boy, cricket had taken him overseas where he played in both Australia and England. Entrepreneurial by nature, he saw an opportunity to start a business with his brother Shae, a talented tattoo artist providing the service and Izaiah managing the day-to-day operations of the business. He explored options for upskilling and building his business skills and together they approached the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to inquire what opportunities were available to them in the business start-up space.
Access to MSD’s Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment product is a two-step process with Izaiah working to complete the first stage and experiencing some challenges. A chance meeting with an old school mate, Tipu Ake Tonu’s Kaiārahi Pakihi Jack Smith Ballingall, led him to Whanake Ake and now TH!NK is on the verge of being launched. “It has been mean support and pretty much gotten us over the line. It’s been great to work with someone who feels personally invested,” explained Izaiah.
Whanake Ake delivers culturally appropriate support for whānau who are wanting to pursue enterprise and self-employment. Designed specifically for MSD’s Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment Kaiārahi Pakihi work alongside applicants to refine their expressions of interest and then funnel them into one-to-one or workshop-based education to complete their business plan to be submitted. The business plans are then assessed and validated externally by MSD moderators. If successful, the Flexi-Wage provides a weekly income for 26 weeks and potentially, access to an agreed amount through a capital start-up grant.
With a significant investment by central government recently announced, TAT recognised the opportunity for people in Hawke’s Bay to capitalise and access this funding. “We know many Māori are naturally entrepreneurial and we are always looking for ways to assist growth for individuals, their whānau and community. This approach can work for everyone regardless of ethnicity and it is really satisfying to have Whanake Ake proving to be successful,” said TAT director Sally Crown. “This partnership with MSD is a great example of how local providers can work with government to deliver services that really work for our communities,” adds TAT director Theresa O’Brien.
Izaiah and Shae were able to complete the necessary processes with Jack’s assistance, as well as accessing the additional business tools available through Tipu Ake Tonu. They are now accelerating their journey having recently secured a retail location in Napier’s CBD and are looking forward to setting up and launching sometime in the next six weeks. “Whanake Ake’s strength is the personal skills we bring to applicants, says Jack, we are able to identify challenges and tailor solutions based on the needs of the client.” Izaiah agrees. “We couldn’t have asked for a better start. I’d a hundred percent recommend working with them (Tipu Ake Tonu).”
For more information on Whanake Ake find it on our services page!
Tipu Ake Tonu’s Kaiārahi Pakihi Jack Smith Ballingall with TH!NK owners, brothers Izaiah and Shae Lange. Jack’s support through Whanake Ake has given them a great start in business, assisting them to successfully access MSD’s Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment.