Our stories
Our Recovery and Families services are confidential and the privacy and safety of the people we partner are our highest priority. This section will cover our programmes and groups and our journey as we expereince them together.
All Pou Whakaaro services are now operating from 1 Bracken Street, Whakatane.
Pou Whakaaro provides support to people with disabilities, mental health issues, and/or addictions to achieve their goals, gain independence and inclusion within their chosen community.
MICROBUSINESS
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
For a number of years
Pou Whakaaro
have been supporting
people into training or
employment, but in 2012 we
noticed a decline in the
number of jobs available
for the people we support.
Micro business was an innovative solution that gave people the opportunity to work at their own pace, master a skill, develop confidence, contribute to the community, and get paid for it!
A micro business is in every aspect a business, but it is small and usually a niche market that has been overlooked.
Micro Business By Bevan
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A small assortment of succulent art created by Bevan.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our Innovative Employment Team started a group for people who were interested in developing their own micro business and looked at what opportunities or 'gaps' there were with products and services in our community, as well as what skills each person had to bring to a business.
The group gradually developed the business ideas into tangible plans and goals, working through issues such as how a micro business fits into Work and Income and developing health and safety guidelines for each business.
As a result there are now a number of micro business owners who are operating their business either as sole traders or in partnerships including delivery/removal service, lawn mowing, gardening, catering and car cleaning.
If you go into CReW, and around the back you will find something special, a small micro business run by Bevan.
Bevan has been creating some lovely unique succulent art for a few years now.
His creativity knows no bounds and these one of a kind items can be purchased.
If you see Bevan about, he is always an excellent source of information about succulents
​
To find out how you can get involved in a Micro Business contact our Senior Employment Coordinator today jordan@pouwhakaaro.co.nz.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN A MICRO BUSINESS?
We Are currently not taking any new Micro Businesses until further notice.
However we continue to support our current Micro Businesses and hope you will too.
START YOUR OWN MICRO BUSINESS
This page will explain how you can start your own Micro Business, the training you will receive and the process you will go through.
Here you will also find our criteria and a way to contact us about a Micro Business.
SUPPORT A MICRO BUSINESS
There are many ways to support a Micro Business no matter what your motivation.
This link will take you through to our existing Micro Businesses and ways in which you can support them.