Xero awards $70,000 to Dunedin community eatery

Xero has awarded four New Zealand small businesses a share of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund to assist them in achieving their business objectives.

Each winner received NZD $20,000, with Dunedin's Bowling Club additionally receiving $50,000 as a global winner in the "Strengthening Community Connection" category, bringing their total award to $70,000.

The Bowling Club, based in Caversham, Dunedin, has expanded from a modest food truck into a thriving community eatery. The establishment offers healthy, locally-sourced meals for $4 and promotes a "pay-it-forward" system where those who can afford to do so may cover the cost of meals for others. Co-owner Jackie Bannon said, "Winning the Xero Beautiful Business fund brings a sense of relief and also a new sense of responsibility, deepening our motivation to invest in the long-term collective wellbeing of our community." With the fund, the eatery plans to improve sustainable systems for sharing nourishing food and creating safe spaces.

Cusp Studio of Christchurch was recognised in the "Trailblazing with Technology" category.

The creative-led data engagement agency aims to build a platform allowing users to interact creatively with live datasets. Annemarie Duff, Cusp Studio founder, highlighted the potential of connecting people to real-time data without needing coding skills, stating, "With these funds, we'll be able to develop custom projects to demonstrate what's possible when you pair data with creativity."

In the "Innovating for Sustainability" category, Confidential Document Destruction from Tauranga secured their win. The company focuses on diverting waste from landfills via secure document destruction and comprehensive recycling services.

"This support allows us to invest in advanced equipment, boosting our ability to process soft plastics and other recyclables," co-owner Te-Aumihi Ogden commented. The funding will enhance their capacity to meet demand and contribute further to the circular economy.

Christchurch Riding for the Disabled Association (CRDA) won under the "Upskilling for the Future" category. CRDA offers therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with disabilities, fostering improvements in balance, coordination, and self-confidence. Phillipa Parker, CRDA President, mentioned volunteer Emmasha Prosser's journey in equine therapy, stating, "She's now pursuing further training to become a therapeutic riding coach, enhancing the impact of our program."

The funds will support volunteer training and program expansion.

Bridget Snelling, Xero Country Manager - Aotearoa New Zealand, commented on this year's winners, saying, "Congratulations to these exceptional businesses and non-profits."

"At Xero, we're passionate about championing small businesses across the country and proud to support this year's winners making a real impact."

Xero CEO, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, added, "Xero is proud to support all of the winners of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund. Your passion, ambition, and commitment to your communities truly embodies the spirit of what the fund is all about."