The Icehouse Business Owners Programme offers Southland business owners with a unique learning environment to provide owners with the tools, support, and connections to drive progress and create a better business. 

Since launching this programme in 2023, The Business Owners Alumni network spans diverse sectors such as manufacturing, construction, hospitality, retail, IT, engineering, professional services, and the tourism sector.  

Alumni benefit from attending exclusive opportunities and events including: 

• Luella Penniall – Kaye’s Bakery business journey and legacy
• Kōrero with Karyna Young – The Yunca’s legacy, with emphasis on innovation and design 
• Mark Bryan – The Vet South journey across Southland, New Zealand and Australia and key lessons from managing growth in a dynamic industry
• Geoff Thompson – Tour of Invercargill’s new Distinction Hotel build
• Chris Hughes – Keeping Industry Turning 
• Breakfast with Highlanders Roger Clarke and Jamie Joseph – Leadership, resilience in the face of difficult times and adversity, and 
• Michael Tither – The Plant Store Journey.