Ora awards $100,000 worth of grants in latest Dreams round

Kiwi Marketing firm Ora has awarded five New Zealand businesses grants worth a total of $100,000 to help fuel growth, in the latest round of its Ora Dream programme.

Since launching in July 2014, this is the fourth round of Dreams grants Ora has awarded. The grant projects aims to fuel the growth of business using Ora's cloud-based app to monitor their market, competitors and report on marketing campaign performance.

Three businesses took home grants worth $20,000, Victor Bridesmaids, Mi'nute of Cool and QJB Roofing. And two businesses won Ora Dreams grants worth $15,000 each, Brand Value and Kingsland's Grill - Shakes.

Ora has now awarded $400,000 to 15 New Zealand businesses.

"More than 850 Kiwis have shared their business dreams with us," says Christina Domecq, CEO of Ora. "That's quite an honour and a big responsibility for our team.

"The Ora Dreams project inspires us every day so we're proud to recognise our latest winners and look forward to helping them on the fast-track to growth," she says.

The awards event held in the Auckland Viaduct was attended by 150 business owners, grant finalists and partners.

Sharon Hunter, SME advocate and investor, urged business owners to create partnerships with the goal to grow together. "Many people set out in business without the necessary skills or experience to drive growth," says hunter. "Good partnerships empower business owners to do what they do best and focus on their dreams."

Hunter joined Christina Domecq on the judges table this round. "Last round we awarded grants to three businesses passionate about disrupting their industry with character brands and smart digital marketing," Domecq says of the winners.

"This round the five winners each identified key market opportunities to take advantage of. We admired these businesses' preparation for growth, for getting their businesses in a strong position to take advantage of new channels and opportunities."

The Ora Dreams project runs each quarter with the next round of winners to be awarded on November 12th. Each finalist is interviewed by Ora and produces a video showcasing their business, dream and the impact an Ora Dreams grant could have on their business.

Previous winners Forbidden Cider accelerated their growth plans by two years, started exporting to Singapore and moved on to their own Orchid since winning a $50,000 grant in October 2014.