All About Startline
Learn about our who, what, and why, to find out if we are the right fit for you.
Meet Our Founder
Kia ora, I’m Nanise.
I’ve worn a lot of business hats over the years, and each role has helped me develop a deeper understanding and passion for business in all its forms.
I’ve worked across a range of roles - from hands-on positions in tourism reservations and operations to management roles in product, marketing, website development, and online sales. I've Co-Founded a start-up and progressed to General Manager and Director roles in two different companies.
Through it all, my curiosity, creativity, and ability to think strategically have kept me moving in the work I love. Today, I focus on helping early-stage businesses structure themselves for long-term success. I really love helping business owners form strong foundations, develop clear strategies, and create actionable plans that set them up for success.
Starting a business is supposed to feel exciting - but for many early stage business owners, it feels overwhelming and uncertain.
I’ve seen so many people with talent, drive, and great ideas struggle - not because they weren’t capable, but because they were so focussed working 'on' the business, that they haven't had the time to step back and put the right structure around the business as a whole. Instead of operating with clarity and momentum, they end up stuck in confusion, second guessing every move, and burning through time, energy, and money just trying to figure things out alone.
What I've Learned
What I realised after years of working with early-stage business owners is that success comes from understanding your business model, knowing how you make money, and having a simple plan from the start.
Get those foundations right early, and everything else becomes easier. Get them wrong - or skip them entirely, and it’s a much harder road.
What Experience Shows
Over the past seven years, I’ve worked closely with business owners at the very beginning of their journey - right at that messy, exciting, terrifying start line. I’ve listened to their challenges, helped untangle their ideas, and worked alongside some of Aotearoa’s top professionals to support them as they build businesses that provide freedom, security, and a future for themselves and their families.
I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. And sadly I’ve seen too many awesome founders with brilliant ideas give up or go under - not because their idea wasn’t good enough or they didn’t have the drive, but because they didn’t have the right structure or guidance early on.
Why Startline Exists
That’s why we’ve brought Startline to life. Our services are designed specifically for business owners in their first 0-3 years.
This is the stage where you’re still testing ideas, figuring out your offer, and learning how to turn your skills into something people will pay for.
Startline exists to give early-stage business owners clarity, confidence, and practical tools so they can build their business on solid ground, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with direction and purpose.
With the right foundations, your business can be built to last - not just survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Startline do?
Startline offers tailored support for small business. If you are in your first 0-3yrs of operation, you are in the right place.
Who is Startline for?
(Is this just for people starting out, or can I come to you further along?)
We say our service is best suited for businesses in their first 0-3yrs of operation.
However if you are a bit further along in business, you may still like to rework an old business plan, or if you are bringing a new idea to life, then our services might also be a great fit.
What’s included in a business plan?
(And how do I know it’s the right fit for funding or contracts?)
Startline has a preferred structure for our business plans, however we will flex a bit depending on your needs. A Business Plan written to secure finance might look different to one primarily used as a roadmap.
Our Business Plans has six core sections, with subsections. Curious to learn more? Get in touch and we will send you an overview!
I’ve never written a business plan before - will you guide me through it?
Absolutely. Some of our clients turn up with existing plans, and we improve them. Some are in their second year of operations and have never seen a business plan before. We accept you at whatever stage you are at, no judgement, and we work together to create a plan that works for you and your business.
How long does it take to create a business plan with you?
(And what do I need to have ready before we start?)
Our Business Plan service takes place over four weeks, with three in person working sessions, and final summary session. You don’t need to have anything ready before you start, but you will fill in a Business Foundations survey which provides Startline with everything we need to know about your business to make your plan great.
Do you work with people who aren’t ‘business-y’?
(I’m creative / practical / hands-on but not great at strategy or writing.)
We’re actually pretty ace at this. There is a common misconception that there is a business ‘type’. In our experience, there is no such thing. All sorts of people own and run businesses. From the hustle go-getter types to the introverted stay at home souls - all can create success for themselves.
Do I need to have everything figured out before we start?
(What if I’m still tossing around ideas or not sure which way to go?)
If you are in what’s called the ‘ideation’ stage of business (that’s pre-revenue, have a great idea but still thinking about how you might bring it to life) then we’d recommend you start with our Business Modelling service.
This half day session gives you access to an expert who can sit down with you and map out your new business idea from a high level. This can really help you gain clarity and direction, before you get started.
Can you help me apply for funding or grants?
(E.g., Regional Business Partner funding, MSD, startup grants.)
We can advise you on where you might approach to find support for our services. You will need to do the leg work yourself, however we are knowledgeable about the business funding space, and can provide support to you during the process.
Will this help me gain funding, financing or win tenders?
(I want a plan for a specific purpose)
Yes. Our business plans have helped other businesses secure funding, financing and more.
