Kevin D'Ambros-Smith's four approved one-to-one business growth programmes may be co-funded up to 50% by the New Zealand Government through the Regional Business Partner Network — so you can get one-to-one coaching with Kevin with up to half the fee co-funded.
Kevin D'Ambros-Smith is a Business Growth Expert and Coach who has been helping New Zealand business owners build remarkable companies since 2017 using his Simple-Growth System™, and has coached 200+ businesses one-on-one across 30+ industries.
He brings insider knowledge from over 30 years in business, including three global agencies — DDB, Ogilvy, and Saatchi & Saatchi — where he worked alongside global brands including McDonald's, IBM, Unilever, and Heineken.
Kevin then applied this corporate expertise to found or co-found 9 companies across eCommerce, media, healthcare, and technology. He has also faced significant personal adversity, including breaking his neck twice, experiences that shaped his unique resilience and empathy as a mentor.
Each programme is designed to deliver practical, commercially-focused capability that you can put to work in your business immediately. All four are one-to-one, approved by the Regional Business Partner Network and eligible for up to 50% co-funding.
Most business owners are busy working in their business rather than on it. This programme gives you the time, structure and frameworks to step back, identify your highest-leverage growth opportunities, and build a clear, realistic plan to pursue them.
Every great business has something that makes it genuinely different — a secret sauce that customers keep coming back for. This programme helps you identify what yours truly is, sharpen your positioning around it, and use it to win more of the right clients.
Sales are the fuel that powers every business. Without a reliable, repeatable revenue engine, growth is fragile. This programme gives you a proven framework to improve your sales process, convert more opportunities, and build consistent revenue — without resorting to hard-sell tactics.
Running a business without a strategic plan is like navigating without a map. This programme walks you through how to build a clear, compelling strategic plan so your team is aligned, your priorities are set, and your business is positioned to thrive — not just survive.
Prefer a group format? The Why Your Marketing Isn't Working workshop is a one-to-some programme, eligible for up to 75% co-funding.
The RBPN makes it straightforward to access government co-funding for capability development. Here's how it works from your first expression of interest through to completing your programme.
Fill in the form on this page. Tell Kevin's team which programme interests you and a little about your business. They'll be in touch within one business day.
A Growth Advisor from your regional RBPN agency will contact you to complete a short discovery session and confirm your funding eligibility.
Once approved, you'll register on the RBPN platform. The Government co-funds up to 50% of the programme fee, and you pay the remainder directly.
Begin your one-to-one programme with Kevin. Leave with a clear plan, new frameworks, and the confidence to grow your business faster.
The Management Capability Development Fund supports New Zealand SMEs to build business capability. Here's what you need to qualify.
The Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN) is a government-funded programme made up of 14 regional growth agencies across New Zealand. It connects business owners with the right advice, people, and resources to grow.
Through the Management Capability Development Fund, eligible businesses can access co-funded one-to-one coaching and training with approved providers like Kevin.
Gareth BaylissSales Manager, The Icehouse“With a rich background in Marketing and Media, Kevin assists businesses to understand their 'Secret Sauce' and assists them to implement a strategy to grow the company's brands and in turn, business opportunities. One thing I love about working with Kevin is his passion. He loves working with business and business owners and wants to see them succeed. Because of this, his guidance and strategic advice is always well thought through and gets fantastic outcomes.”
John RobertsCo-owner & COO, Oragene“I catch up with Kevin once a week and it is definitely the highlight of my week. Kevin being from a creative, advertising agency background, he just sees different opportunities so clearly. I would not have considered the B2C market as an opportunity before working with Kevin and now it is a major focus for us. He has opened up so many new opportunities for us.”
Sarah TalyancichBodyreform“Kevin has taken the time to truly understand my business, listen to my short- and long-term goals, and helped me to create a progressive, achievable plan. His encouragement, strategic guidance, and ongoing support have been instrumental in driving significant growth in my business and advancing my career pathway. Kevin is more than an adviser; he is a trusted partner who challenges, supports, and keeps me focused on what matters most for the future.”
Christiana ThomsonJohnson&Laird Talent Management“Kevin has the ability to make everything so simple. He can take something that seems like a complicated task and break this down to 1 or 2 key things, so that achieving the desired outcome becomes easier and very achievable.”
Client feedback shared with permission. Results are specific to each business and are not typical.
Register your interest and Kevin's team will be in touch within one business day to discuss the right programme for you — and help you access your co-funding.
Tell Kevin's team about your business and which programme interests you. You'll get a response within one business day to discuss your goals and guide you through the RBPN funding process.
You can expect a reply within one business day to talk through your needs.
You will understand your RBPN co-funding eligibility and the next steps.
No problem — select "help me choose" and you will be matched to the right fit in your first conversation.
Not eligible for co-funding? You're still welcome to attend any programme at the standard rate.
RBPN co-funding is subject to eligibility assessment by your regional Growth Advisor. We cannot guarantee a successful outcome.