Business Fundamentals 06: 

Legal, Compliance & Future Planning

Understand your Legal Obligations and Future-Proof Your Business

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Starting a business, and staying compliant, is no small feat. Especially when you don’t know what you don’t know!

This module takes the uncertainty out of the equation and equips you with the legal, risk, and planning tools you need to build a strong, future-ready business.

One that’s not just operational but protected.
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You’ll cover essential topics like contracts, insurance, risk management, and efficient business systems. You’ll learn how to manage risk proactively, stay legally compliant, and develop a clear action plan to guide your next steps with confidence.

Hear directly from legal and risk experts, including Claire, co-founder of On Your Terms (featured above), as they break down the must-haves - from shareholder agreements and privacy policies to continuity planning and common pitfalls that can cost you dearly.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a robust legal and risk framework in place, along with a 90-day roadmap to grow your business securely, sustainably, and stress-free.

★★★★★

Valuable Takeaways

This module contains such great insights and practical advice.

 As I moved through the content, I kept thinking, "That's such good advice!" It made me excited to see what was coming next.
KARMAL JACKSON
Entrepreneur in Ideation Phase
Business Fundamentals 06: 

Legal, Compliance & Future Planning

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Course features
  • Level: Beginner
  • Study time: ~2 hours

Learn How to:

  • Understand essential legal and compliance requirements
  • Identify risks and set up the right protections
  • Improve efficiency with simple operational planning
  • Create a 90-day action plan to guide your next steps
  • Build a future-ready business with confidence and clarity
  • Also includes optional AI prompts to assist and accelerate learning

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What's Included

Dynamic learning: videos, interactive activities, frameworks & tools

This module helps you lay the legal and operational groundwork for a strong, future-ready business.

Through expert guidance, simple planning tools, and real-world insights, you’ll cover the essentials - from contracts and compliance to risk management and business efficiency.

Learn from those who've been there before 

Hear directly from legal and risk experts who specialise in working with small businesses.

In this module you'll hear from:
  • Claire, legal professional and co-founder of On Your Terms 
  • Kathy, from Frank Risk Management (featured right)

Discuss with others

Connect with like-minded peers on our online discussion board. Share your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and seek support as you build your business.
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★★★★★

Essential Investment

The legal documents section was a revelation! Some of my common complexities were demystified, turning a few daunting tasks into actionable steps.

Simply put, this module is an essential investment for any entrepreneur, regardless of stage. It's concise, impactful, and genuinely inspiring.
RAE MACDONALD
Entrepreneur

★★★★★

Encouraging Awakening


This Business Fundamentals module isn't just another onerous checklist it's an encouraging awakening!

It ignited a crucial self-audit, illuminating blind spots common to startups, from risk management to the often-neglected work-life balance.
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

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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