A Christchurch business and nonprofit have won a share of the $750,000 global prize pool from the Xero Beautiful Business Fund.
The Xero Beautiful Business Fund supports Xero’s small business customers, empowering them to boost growth and drive future success.
Entries were submitted by Xero customers from countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the US, and the UK.
Winners demonstrated through video submissions how they would use the funding to support their business goals in one of four categories: Innovating for Sustainability, Strengthening Community Connection, Trailblazing with Technology, and Upskilling for the Future.
Christchurch-based Cusp Studio, a creative-led data engagement agency, won the ‘Trailblazing with Technology’ award. Cusp Studio offers a fully integrated marketing suite that includes digital strategy, copywriting, coaching, digital marketing for musicians and art organisations, music production, and digital art services.
dio founder Annemarie Duff
Cusp Studio founder Annemarie Duff said, “We’re creating interactive, art-led data visualisations that connect people to live data in new ways. Our goal is to build a platform where anyone can interact with these datasets and create their own visualisations.
“There are numerous real-time data sources available like smart city sensors, sales metrics, and web analytics, and we see enormous potential to connect people to them easily without needing to code. With these funds, we’ll develop custom projects to show what’s possible when you pair data with creativity.”
The ‘Upskilling for the Future’ New Zealand award went to Christchurch Riding for the Disabled Association (CRDA), based in Wigram.
Christchurch Riding for the Disabled, part of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association, provides therapeutic riding sessions for individuals aged three and up, five days a week. Supported by trained coaches and 70 volunteers, CRDA helps participants with physical and non-physical disabilities improve balance, coordination, posture, and self-confidence, offering a safe and supportive environment where riders gain independence and, for some, enjoy riding as a sport or recreation.
CRDA President Phillipa Parker said, “Our mission is to support individuals with disabilities through equine therapy, fostering their physical, emotional, and social well-being.”
CRDA President Phillipa Parker
Parker highlighted the impact of volunteers like Emmasha Prosser, a mother of a disabled son who has witnessed the transformative benefits of equine therapy. “It has improved her son’s confidence, motor skills, balance, and speech. Emmasha, after completing her level 3 equine course, joined us to combine her passion for horses with her commitment to the disability community. She’s now pursuing training to become a therapeutic riding coach, enhancing the impact of our program.”
Xero Country Manager for Aotearoa New Zealand, Bridget Snelling, said this year’s Xero Beautiful Business Fund winners showcase the diverse and innovative small businesses flourishing in New Zealand.
Xero Country Manager for Aotearoa New Zealand, Bridget Snelling
“Congratulations to these exceptional businesses and non-profits. At Xero, we’re passionate about championing small businesses across the country and are proud to support these winners making a real impact.
“The Xero Beautiful Business Fund allows these businesses to grow further and pursue their goals, helping turn their visions into reality.”
Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy added, “Xero is proud to support the 2024 Beautiful Business Fund winners. Your passion, ambition, and commitment to your communities truly embody the spirit of the fund. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all entrants for sharing your stories and inspiring us as we pursue our purpose to make life better for small businesses, their advisors, and communities worldwide.”
