Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is expanding its AI-powered Growth Academy across the country, helping 1,400 Kiwi businesses focus on strategic growth rather than day-to-day operations.

The expanded programme follows a successful pilot in 2024 involving 250 businesses.

BNZ, in partnership with growth software company D/srupt, is now rolling out the initiative nationwide.

The academy combines in-person workshops with AI-powered digital tools designed to help business owners clarify their growth strategy, assess funding needs, and explore market opportunities.

BNZ General Manager, Growth Sectors, Brandon Jackson, says the programme addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by small and medium businesses: finding time to work on their business rather than in it.

“As New Zealand’s largest business bank, we’ve seen how successful businesses thrive when owners can step back from daily firefighting to focus on strategy,” Jackson said.

The Growth Academy gives participants access to D/srupt’s Growth Navigation platform.

The software uses AI to personalise strategic insights, making complex planning processes quicker and easier to implement.

Success Stories

The academy has already shown tangible results.

BlueDoor, an internet service provider for residential and business customers, participated in the pilot and saw immediate benefits.

“The Growth Academy helped us take our strategic thinking to the next level,” said BlueDoor Director Mark Anderson.

Following the programme, BlueDoor secured nearly NZD 500,000 in financing from BNZ to support its expansion plans.

D/srupt founder Debbie Humphrey says the programme’s AI tools make strategy planning faster and more accessible, particularly for time-poor business owners.

“What might have taken a full day of workshops can now be done in minutes,” Humphrey said.

“We combine practical guidance with technology to help turn big-picture thinking into concrete action plans.”

The Growth Academy officially launches on 31 March 2025, with applications opening on 10 March. It includes:

• In-person workshops in 16 locations, from Whangārei to Invercargill
• Online learning options for wider accessibility
• Access to D/srupt’s AI-powered platform for strategic planning
• Guidance on funding pathways, including grants and growth capital
• Direct connection to BNZ’s business banking support

The 12-month programme is designed to help New Zealand businesses build robust, actionable growth plans, regardless of industry or size.

For more details, visit the BNZ website: BNZ Growth Academy

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