The Activator Programme

The Activator Programme

For Emerging Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Funded by The Ministry for Primary Industries and Rural Women NZ the Activator programme connects emerging rural entrepreneurs with a panel of experienced business advisors to turn ideas into action.

If the below sounds familiar, then the Activator may be for you.

  • You have a brilliant business idea — but feel stuck on where to start

  • You've created a fantastic product — but you're not sure how to reach new customers

  • Your website looks great — but the traffic just isn't showing up

About Activator

Activator supports rural women entrepreneurs and innovators to develop and grow their businesses.

Rural Women New Zealand connects emerging rural entrepreneurs with a panel of experienced business advisors to turn ideas into action. They receive a 45-minute deep dive with advisors who zero in on their specific challenges, a personalised action plan, and follow-up support to keep the momentum going. Activators also connect with other rural women in business, sharing stories, experiences and real solutions.

With support from the Ministry for Primary Industries the session is free of charge to attendees and all travel and accommodation costs are covered.

RWNZ will run Activator sessions over the summer of 2026/7. All spaces are now full.

Thank you to the wonderfully capable advisors who encourage, motivate, reassure, suggest and light a fire under the Activators.

Hear from our previous Activators

  • “Rural Women New Zealand's Activator Programme was really inspirational, and helped focus my thoughts on where the business was at and where I wanted to go with it.”

    — Kate, 2025 attendee.

  • “Oh my goodness - I got so much out of yesterday… in fact, I’m absolutely fizzing with excitement. I feel like those gorgeous people unblocked something in me. Watch this space…”

    - 2025 attendee.