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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Validate Your Business Idea and Define Your Ideal Customer

Got a great idea but not sure if it will work?

This module helps you explore your business concept by identifying the problem you're solving, shaping your solution, and finding the right customers.

You'll learn how to validate your idea in the real world so you can move forward with confidence and build a business that people truly need.
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BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS 02:

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

★★★★★
     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

★★★★★
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

★★★★★
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

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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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.

As the co-founder of Rüdi’s Bakehouse, Fern 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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