Regional Business Partner Network – Co-Funded Programmes

Grow Your Business
With Government Co-Funding

Kevin D'Ambros-Smith's business growth programmes and workshops are approved by the Regional Business Partner Network — co-funded by the New Zealand Government so you can invest in your business capability at a fraction of the cost.

50%Co-funding, one-to-one programmes
75%Co-funding, group workshops
4Approved programmes
2017Coaching SMEs
since
Register My Interest    Show Me the Programmes
RBPN Co-Funded

What the funding covers

One-to-one programmes with Kevin: up to 50% co-funded
One-to-some group workshops and presentations: up to 75% co-funded (or $75/hour, whichever is lower)
Available to eligible SMEs with fewer than 50 employees
Group workshops: up to 2 people per business
Delivered by Kevin D'Ambros-Smith, approved RBPN service provider

Not GST-registered? No problem — you do not need to be GST registered to access one-to-some training.

About Kevin

Who you will be learning from

"Most people over-complicate growing a business — because they focus on the wrong things."

Kevin D'Ambros-Smith is a business coach who helps ambitious owners of 7 to 9-figure businesses grow using the Simple-Growth System™.

Kevin brings insider knowledge from over 30 years in business, including three global agencies — DDB, Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi — where he worked with global brands including McDonald's, IBM, Unilever and Heineken. He then applied this corporate expertise to found or co-found 9 companies.

Since 2017, Kevin has shared this knowledge through coaching, workshops and masterclasses — coaching 200+ businesses one-on-one across 30+ industries.

  • Founder of the Simple-Growth System™
  • Former DDB, Ogilvy & Saatchi & Saatchi executive
  • Presenter on The Icehouse Owner Manager Programme
  • Delivered workshops for BNZ, TradeMe, ATEED & Mahi Tahi
  • Founded or co-founded 9 companies
  • Approved RBPN service provider
  • 200+ businesses coached one-on-one

Read Kevin's Full Bio
RBPN-Funded Programmes

Four Ways to Build Your Business

Kevin's four approved Regional Business Partner Network programmes are one-to-one, designed to give you structured, practical capability — so you leave with more than ideas. Each is available with up to 50% co-funding for eligible businesses.

Programme 01
Business Growth — Planning & Strategy
One-to-one · Up to 50% Co-Funded

Build a structured growth plan for your business. This programme cuts through the noise and focuses on the strategic priorities that will actually move the needle — giving you clarity, direction, and a plan you can execute.

Programme 02
Find Your Secret Sauce
One-to-one · Up to 50% Co-Funded

Discover what truly differentiates your business and how to build on it. Kevin helps you uncover your unique strengths, sharpen your positioning, and define the competitive edge that only you can own.

Programme 03
Fuelling Your Business — Powering Up Your Sales
One-to-one · Up to 50% Co-Funded

Sales are the engine of growth. This programme gives you a proven framework to improve your sales process, convert more opportunities, and build a repeatable revenue engine — without resorting to hard sell tactics.

Programme 04
Know Your Future — Craft a Winning Strategic Plan
One-to-one · Up to 50% Co-Funded

Stop reacting and start leading. This programme walks you through how to craft a clear, compelling strategic plan — so your team is aligned, your priorities are set, and your business is built to last.

Getting Started

How the RBPN Funding Works

The Regional Business Partner Network makes it simple to access co-funded business training. Here's the process from interest to programme.

Register Your Interest

Fill in the form below expressing interest in one of Kevin's programmes or workshops. Kevin's team will get back to you quickly to talk through your needs and which option is the right fit.

Connect with a Growth Advisor

Your enquiry is forwarded to the Regional Business Partner in your area. A Growth Advisor will contact you to complete a discovery session and assess your eligibility for co-funding.

Get Approved & Enrol

Once approved, you'll register on the RBPN platform. The Government co-funds up to 50% of one-to-one programme fees, or up to 75% of one-to-some workshop fees (capped at $75/hour), and you pay the remainder.

Attend & Grow

Join your workshop or programme. Walk away with practical knowledge, new frameworks, and an actionable plan to grow your business — from day one.

RBPN Funding Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

The Management Capability Development Fund is available to eligible New Zealand businesses. Here's what you need to qualify.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Fewer than 50 full-time employees
  • Currently trading and commercially viable
  • Hold a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
  • Registered on the RBP platform
  • Complete a discovery session with a Growth Advisor
  • Business owner or person in a key management role
  • Not required to be GST registered for one-to-some training
Please note: Charitable Trusts and Incorporated Societies are not eligible for RBPN co-funding. Self-funded attendance is available to all businesses regardless of eligibility.
About the RBPN

The Regional Business Partner Network connects New Zealand small to medium-sized businesses with the right advice, resources, and capability development support. Funded by the New Zealand Government, the network is made up of 14 regional growth agencies nationwide.

What is one-to-some training? These are group workshops where you learn the fundamentals of a specific business area alongside other business owners — practical, focused, and typically half a day or less. They deliver high-impact learning at a lower price point than one-to-one coaching.

  • One-to-one programmes: up to 50% co-funded
  • One-to-some workshops: up to 75% co-funded (or $75/hour, whichever is lower)
  • Workshops: maximum 2 people per business
  • Builds commercial capability quickly and affordably
Don't have an NZBN yet? Get your NZBN here. For more on RBPN, visit the MBIE website.
Client Feedback

What owners say

“Kevin understood a manufacturing and trades business from day one. No jargon, no theory, just clear advice on where to focus so that we had clear targets and ideas we could act on straight away to improve our customer acquisition and engagement.”

Heidi JohnstonWindowmakers

“Kevin worked with us at PhysioACTION to develop a positioning that sets us apart, 'PhysioACTION - A better experience', then helped us build the experience to match. In every part of the business we ask how to make it better for our customers and our team, and that's now the standard we hold ourselves to.”

Simon KeepaPhysioACTION

“Kevin brought real retail and online marketing experience to our fashion business. He helped us with the fundamentals of our brand values to help us move forward in the future. Giving us practical and innovative ideas we could put into action straight away.”

Sophie PreenPreen Fashion

“Kevin helped us understand Marketing and develop a strategy for the business that captured the true essence of the M2 Overland Brand.”

Jonathon TaylorGeneral Manager, M2 Overland

Client feedback shared with permission. Results are specific to each business and are not typical.

Ready to Grow Smarter and Faster?

Register your interest today and Kevin's team will be in touch to find the right programme for your business — and help you access your RBPN co-funding.

Register Your Interest

Find the Right Programme for You

Fill in your details and Kevin's team will be in touch to discuss which programme suits your business goals — and guide you through the RBPN co-funding process if you're eligible.

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Quick response

Kevin's team aims to respond within one business day to discuss your goals and next steps.

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Funding guidance included

You will learn whether you qualify for RBPN co-funding and how to access it.

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Self-funding always available

Not eligible for co-funding? You're still welcome to attend any programme at the full rate.

Register Your Interest

We cannot guarantee a successful RBPN co-funding outcome. Your eligibility will be assessed by your regional Growth Advisor.

© 2026 Kevin D'Ambros-Smith · kevindambros-smith.com · simple-growth.com

RBPN co-funding is subject to eligibility and assessment by your Regional Business Partner. This page is for enquiry purposes only.

This page has moved to RBPN co-funding on simple-growth.com.