Ready to Rise Business Breakfast

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for businesses to look beyond survival and start shaping strategy. Join us at the Ready to Rise Business Breakfast for fresh insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to step confidently into 2026.

Outlook 2026: From survival to growth strategy

Over the past few years, “Survive till 2025” became the mantra for many Kiwi SMEs. But as the year closes, it’s time to shift the focus – from staying afloat to stepping forward.

Ready to Rise is an energising new business breakfast series designed to help SME leaders move from survival mode into a growth mindset. Join leading thinkers and entrepreneurs as we unpack the 2026 outlook and explore strategies for seizing opportunity, even in lean times.

Join business leader and event MC Marisa Fong as she guides an inspiring morning of insight and discussion. The lineup features keynote speakers Sam Stubbs on “Purpose, prosperity, and building the New Zealand economy we want”, and tech & AI expert James Boult on “Why now is the best time to be a SME”. 2degrees' Sean Bell will unpack their '2025 Shaping Business' study. The morning also includes a dynamic panel discussion with Neil Gaught, Kate Wilson, and Loren Tomlinson on “Building purpose, protecting value, and powering growth”.

Speakers

• Marisa Fong, Entrepreneur, Director and Mentor
• Sam Stubbs, Co-Founder & MD at Simplicity
• James Boult, Co-founder of Gravity
• Loren Tomlinson, Founder of The Social Collective
• Neil Gaught, Chief Executive at Neil Gaught Associates
• Kate Wilson, Author & IP Strategist
• Sean Bell, National Direct Sales Manager – SME for 2degrees

This event is proudly sponsored by 2degrees.