Join us as a business mentor and help someone build a better livelihood for their family.
Iti Rearea Collective is a cross-sector collaboration of organisations whose vision is for Aotearoa to be a safe and just place for migrant communities to ascend to great heights of fulfilled aspiration and potential. We provide business workshops, coaching, microfinance and mentoring to enable aspiring migrant entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence and social inclusion by creating successful businesses.
We are looking for people with business expertise who are able to provide guidance, advice and encouragement to our migrant entrepreneurs in the early and growth stages of their small business.
Who are our migrant entrepreneurs?
Our entrepreneurs are from a refugee/ forced migrant-background or are migrants who have not been able to find employment that utilises their skills and experience.
They are passionate about creating their own financial independence in Aotearoa for their families and contributing to the economy and society that they now call home.
English is not their first language and they will have varying levels of English proficiency, digital and financial literacy.
Entrepreneurs will have already completed either our NEST and/or SOAR programmes (lasting 3-6 months) where they were engaged in group business workshops, personal business coaching and some will have worked with a personal financial mentor during this period.
Our entrepreneurs have value to offer to our diverse society and aspirations of rebuilding or making a better life in Aotearoa, but they face systemic barriers that keep them from reaching their full potential.
Having a mentor journey with them and helping them navigate the New Zealand systems means the world!
What kind of business can I mentor?
Food based (ethnic cuisine)
Selling imported products
UX/ UI Design
Hairdressing and beauty
Clothes tailoring
Residential and Commercial Cleaning
Trades - electrical, plumbing, plastering, painting, construction
Laundromat
Mechanic
Courier delivery
Social Enterprise
What difference can I make?
It’s about more than just the business. You will be helping someone -
Transition from social welfare dependency or underemployment to becoming self-employed
Create their own meaningful work and jobs for others in their own community
Grow in their own confidence and self-efficacy
Maintain or improve their mental health and wellbeing
Feel more connected and belongingness in the wider community
Add value to NZ society and economy
What personal attributes or skills are you looking for?
As a business mentor, you will be someone who -
Is passionate about creating financial independence, business development and making a difference in the lives of others
Is able to commit 18 months to meeting monthly with your dedicated entrepreneur (1-2 hours per month, face to face is preferred)
Has cultural competency and understanding of ethnic cultures
Is compassionate, empathetic, patient, natural encourager and motivator
Currently is running a successful business or has run one before / Or has good business knowledge, experience and expertise
Has experience working with people who have minimal English proficiency (not essential)
Ideally from a migrant background or has experience working with ethnic communities (not essential)
Is based in Auckland or can travel to Auckland from time to time
Is this a paid or voluntary role?
Due to limited funding, this is a voluntary role. However, the impact that you will be able to make in someone else’s life and for their family or community will be significant. Some entrepreneurs have little social networks or established support systems in New Zealand so having a mentor journey with them during the early stage of their business is vital.