Flexible study supports Cromwell business owner
Based in Cromwell, Sam Taylor needed flexibility to balance work, study and build his business, and found exactly that through the online Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
As the owner and operator of Cromwell Winery Cruises, and someone who works in shipping, it was important that his studies could fit around an unpredictable schedule and demanding workload.
“Studying online was what allowed me to fully participate in the programme. As a seafarer, I couldn’t attend class in person, so being able to do it all remotely made it possible,” says Sam.
Sam’s business is still in its early days and while he had already completed parts of his business planning before studying, the programme gave him a chance to revisit and refine his ideas.
“I already knew that I was starting a business, but I wanted to gain a little more confidence moving ahead. The programme gave me a second chance to look over what I'd already done and perhaps reconsider it. Seeking out that education gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.”
As well as the flexibility, the support Sam received from his kaiako, Greg Peyroux, played a key role in helping him stay on track, gain valuable knowledge, and successfully complete his certificate.
“There were times I had to fall behind due to work commitments, but Greg supported me to catch up. I reached out to him about business issues and unexpected surprises, and he was really helpful throughout that period.”
Sam’s decision to start his own business was driven by a desire for a better lifestyle and the ability to shape his future on his own terms.
“I’m at the age where being at home is more of a priority than it was in my twenties, and wanting to have control of my own direction played a big part in it as well.”
He encourages others who are thinking about going into business, or who have recently started, to make the most of opportunities to learn.
“The better informed you are, the better decisions you can make. Having that education behind you gives you more tools in the toolbox to become a successful business owner.”
Find out more about our Pakihi, Business and Entrepreneurship programmes.
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