Join the Plato Programme

What’s in it for me?

Learning via the PLATO™ network is a key part of the programme, and aims to cover all the elements of running a successful business, however content direction is largely driven by the participants and their business needs. Content may include strategy and business planning, sales and marketing, accounting and finance, tax, human resource management, raising capital and export.

Expert Advice and Support:

PLATO™ allows for formal learning and interaction with experienced managers from larger organisations and other expert speakers, as well as providing a forum to discuss ideas, challenges and issues with like-minded companies.

Sounding Board:

PLATO™ has proven itself to be a successful model that allows businesses to test their strategies against a sounding board of those who have ‘been there, done that’ and more importantly against companies who are at a similar level of development.

Business Peer Support and Mentoring:

PLATO™ New Zealand is designed to provide small business owner-managers with access to the specific expertise and experience of mentors and other business owner-managers to address the strategic and real-world issues they confront as their businesses grow.

Point of Difference:

Over the past two decades PLATO™ has proven successful in assisting the growth of SMEs throughout Europe. PLATO™ offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from their peers, trained facilitators and other experts within a formal learning context. Specific emphasis is placed on relationship building and transfer of knowledge within each network.

Tailored for Success:

While PLATO™ follows a set format, the overall direction of each network is determined by the specific needs and issues of the participants involved. Group facilitators will provide direction and guidance throughout the programme.

Networking and Sharing:

PLATO™ brings together small and large companies in a forum where information, contacts and business opportunities are the main focus. The programme encourages the exchange of information and experiences between participants and group facilitators and the transfer of management know-how.

Commitment and Costs

The New Zealand pilot includes two networks or groups, each with 10-12 participants and two group facilitators, who will be recruited from larger Auckland-based organisations. Both groups will be non sector specific.

Group I is into month 5 of the programme and group II will begin in February 2009. Each group will meet on a monthly basis, for approximately 3 hours (20 group meetings in total). Participants will also have the opportunity to attend additional networking and training events organised for both groups.
The cost of the two-year programme is $2000 per participant.  Recruitment for group II is currently underway, please see contact details below.

Getting involved

Recruitment for Group II is now closed. However if you would like any further information on the programme please contact:

Katie Taylor

AucklandPlus
Email: katie.taylor@aucklandplus.com 
Ph: 09 366 2000 ext 8769

Prospective applicants will be required to complete a questionnaire following which an applicant shortlist will be generated. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in order to establish their acceptance into the programme.