Whanganui’s economy is large enough to support a market for almost anything, while still facilitating authentic connections with customers, clients and collaborators. New ventures benefit from enthusiastic community backing and established businesses discover opportunities for expansion and innovation through relationships with like-minded businesses.
Start-Up Support
Interested in doing business in Whanganui? Our economic development agency, Whanganui & Partners, offers a number of services that support businesses launch, grow and relocate. The team can assist you with market research, business advice, consents and compliance, and more. All services are free of charge.
Whanganui & Partners facilitates courses and programmes aimed at start-ups and businesses looking to upskill. Check out upcoming events here.
Low Overhead Costs
A range of industrial, agricultural, commercial and office real estate is available for sale or rent at affordable prices, which leaves room in your budget for reinvesting in your business.
For businesses just starting out, often the best option is to co-locate while you test your market and get established. Retailers in Whanganui can get started at the Marketplace, an innovative, collaborative retail space, based in the middle of our shopping precinct.
Networking Opportunities
Whanganui has a great variety of business types — creative, industrial, retail, professional and agricultural — and the connections that develop in our compact city develop into unique and productive opportunities for collaboration.
There are great ways to meet other business owners in Whanganui. Try connecting with any of these organisations:
The Whanganui Chamber of Commerce can help you access the right connections, support and advice that will fast-track your success.
Te Manu Atatū is the Māori business network for Whanganui, providing opportunities to connect and network with other local Māori in business.
Thrive provides social enterprise capability building services to help great ideas take off, grow and scale.
Whanganui & Partners has networks built around specific sectors. Connect with them on Facebook or at regular catch-up sessions.
