BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS 02:

From Idea to Market -
Problem Solving, Validation & Customer Fit

Don’t Build in a Bubble! Validate Before You Launch

Do any of these resonate with you?

  I have an idea, but I’m not clear on the problem it solves
  I struggle to clearly explain my solution and its value
  I’m unsure who my ideal customer is
  I haven’t validated my idea with real customers yet
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Got a great idea, or product, but unsure how to move it forward?

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to test a new direction, this module will help you stress-test your idea and identify who it’s really for.

You’ll explore the problem you’re solving, shape your solution, and get clearer on what makes your offering valuable - and to whom.

In this module, you’ll learn how to validate your idea before investing time or money into the wrong thing. Through simple, proven steps, you’ll uncover whether your product or service solves a meaningful problem - and get clarity on who exactly is going to be buying it.

Too many great ideas stall because they don’t connect with real customer needs. Let’s make sure you’re building something people actually want.

★★★★★

Define your ideal client with clarity

This course provided incredible clarity in defining my ideal client and refining my offer.

I had a general sense of who I wanted to help, but this module pushed me to go deeper - understanding their pain points, motivations, and why they would choose my solution over others.
JULIE MCGILL
Established Business Owner
BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS 02:

From Idea to Market

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COURSE FEATURES
  • Level: Beginner
  • Study time: ~2 hours
Learn how to:

  • Identify the real problem your business solves
  • Shape your idea into a clear and compelling solution
  • Define your target customer and understand their needs
  • Validate your business idea with real-world insights
  • Build a foundation for a product or service people actually want
  • Also includes optional AI prompts to assist and accelerate learning
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What's Included

Dynamic learning: videos, interactive activities, frameworks & tools

Explore a mix of engaging written content, short videos, interactive tools, and downloadable reflection exercises - all designed to help you shape and validate your business idea with clarity. You'll also receive optional AI prompts to extend your thinking and challenge your assumptions.

Learn from those who've been there before 

Get real-world insights from NZ founders who’ve brought their ideas to life. Hear how they tested assumptions, refined their solutions, and found the right customers.

In this module you'll hear from:
  • Wendy, founder of & Again (featured right)
  • Claire, co-founder of On Your Terms
  • Liz, co-founder of FOUND Store

Join the Discussion

Share ideas, challenges, and insights with fellow entrepreneurs in our online discussion board. It’s a great space to get unstuck, test your thinking, and find encouragement from others in the same phase.
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★★★★★

Confidence boost

Great at getting you to target down to your ideal customer and help grow your confidence around solving their problems.
KARMAL JACKSON
Entrepreneur in Ideation Phase

★★★★★

Learn direct from founders!

I really enjoyed learning from the journeys of other business owners and discovering what strategies have worked for them.

It's a small investment with a big return - you'll be glad you did it!
RAE MACDONALD
Entrepreneur
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Co-created by

Kate Wightman

Business Growth Advisor & Startup Aotearoa Lead
Kate Wightman is Soda's Startup Aotearoa lead and an experienced business growth advisor, supporting Waikato businesses through the Regional Business Partner programme. With a strong background in startups, venture capital, and technology incubation, Kate is also a co-founder of her own business so understands the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. A former elite road cyclist, she also walked the length of New Zealand in 2023, raising $55,000 for gynaecological cancer.
Kate is always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out with questions!
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Co-created by

Dr Fern Kelly-Zander

Innovation Specialist & Programme Manager

Dr Fern Kelly-Zander brings extensive international experience in innovation, strategy, and business development and has been instrumental in leading the creation of this online learning platform.

Fern played a key role in growing an innovative start-up in the UK to a SME and, together with being the co-founder of Rüdi’s Bakehouse, she understands firsthand the challenges faced by founders and small business owners. From launching and scaling a business to navigating funding, strategy and operations.

She is deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs, helping them turn big ideas into impactful, sustainable businesses.

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