Soda Inc -
Nurturing Early Stage Businesses
Our mission
We offer the best courses for early stage businesses
Soda is committed to creating and continuously improving effective learning experiences for entrepreneurs and small business owners through our online workshop platform.
We are dedicated to providing practical knowledge and insights that empower businesses to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the market and achieve professional success.
We are dedicated to providing practical knowledge and insights that empower businesses to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the market and achieve professional success.
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Who we are
At Soda, we believe that anything is possible. With rigour, structure and process, your viable business idea can become a thriving commercial enterprise. We have the support systems and people in place: you have the determination to succeed.
Based in Kirikiriroa / Hamilton in the Waikato, in 2024, we embarked on a web-based adventure to extend our passion to help entrepreneurs in ALL regions across New Zealand.
Soda exists to help you to succeed. Our whole team has your back.
Based in Kirikiriroa / Hamilton in the Waikato, in 2024, we embarked on a web-based adventure to extend our passion to help entrepreneurs in ALL regions across New Zealand.
Soda exists to help you to succeed. Our whole team has your back.
Why choose us
Our workshops combine practical, hands-on exercises tailored for small business owners with real-world insights from experienced founders who’ve been through the journey themselves. You’ll benefit from personalised guidance, interactive activities, and a supportive community of peers, ensuring you can apply what you learn directly to your business. This mix of tailored, actionable content and direct access to entrepreneurial wisdom sets us apart.
Meet the Course Creators
Dr Fern Kelly-Zander
Innovation Specialist & Programme Manager
Fern brings international experience in innovation, strategy, and business development. She supports innovators in the Waikato with their growth plans and has led the creation of Business Fundamentals Online and the Growth Lab Accelerator Programme.
Abroad, she won a number of international awards for innovation and sustainability, and played a key role in growing an innovative UK startup to a SME. As co-founder of an artisan bakery, Rüdi’s Bakehouse, she also understands the challenges that exist to launch, scale, and sustain a business here in NZ.
Fern is passionate about helping other founders turn their ideas into sustainable, impactful ventures.
Abroad, she won a number of international awards for innovation and sustainability, and played a key role in growing an innovative UK startup to a SME. As co-founder of an artisan bakery, Rüdi’s Bakehouse, she also understands the challenges that exist to launch, scale, and sustain a business here in NZ.
Fern is passionate about helping other founders turn their ideas into sustainable, impactful ventures.
Kate Wightman
Kate has a background in startups, venture capital, and technology incubation. She has also co-founded her own business so understands the realities of entrepreneurship.
Beyond business, Kate’s drive shows up everywhere: she’s a former elite road cyclist and in 2023 walked the length of New Zealand, raising $55,000 for gynaecological cancer.
Beyond business, Kate’s drive shows up everywhere: she’s a former elite road cyclist and in 2023 walked the length of New Zealand, raising $55,000 for gynaecological cancer.
Meet the team
Anna Devcich
General Manager
Dr Fern Kelly-Zander
Innovation Specialist
& Programme Manager
& Programme Manager
Kate Wightman
Startup Coach
Sue Loder
Business Growth Advisor
Angela Smith
Business Growth
Advisor
Advisor
Natalie McKeany
Communications
Manager
Manager
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