Studying Entrepreneurship and Innovation will give you the all-round business acumen you need to start and sustain a new business venture or not-for-profit enterprise in New Zealand or overseas.

You'll learn how to develop a solid business plan, and access venture capital to get your business off the ground. You'll also learn how to find and evaluate untapped market opportunities, manage the innovation process of bringing new products to market, and keep your customers satisfied.

In addition, you'll develop essential skills in areas such as accounting, strategic management, leading diverse teams of employees, dealing with legal issues in business, generating creative ideas, and using e-commerce technologies.

New Zealand has the most new businesses in the world per capita, and small-to-medium sized businesses (SMEs) contribute hugely to the country's jobs and economic growth. However, many fail within the first three years.

This subject will help you to understand the drivers and barriers to growth among New Zealand firms, and ensure your business survives in a competitive global market.

Opportunities to start a new business on campus

At Waikato, there are loads of opportunities for you to start your own business before you even graduate. Waikato University's Innovation Station offers a mentoring programme for keen students with great ideas and a big plan. You might also want to join Social Innovation Waikato, a student-run club for young entrepreneurs.

Expert, well-connected staff

Many of the lecturers at Waikato Management School are also sought-after business consultants, with strong links to some of New Zealand's leading companies. They have expertise in many different areas relating to entrepreneurship, such as innovation processes, home-based businesses, strategic planning, sustainability practices in business, the micro-foundations of competitive advantage, risk management, the entrepreneurial mindset, and social enterprises.

Internationally recognised

Waikato is ranked in the world's top 150 universities for Business & Management Studies by the prestigious QS Subject Rankings.

You'll study at our internationally recognised Waikato Management School, which is ranked in the top 1% of all business schools worldwide, having achieved Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA in 2005.