Spark has announced a partnership with Icehouse to deliver free nationwide workshops designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lift productivity in 2026.
The launch of these workshops, which will be rolled out across seven locations around the country, is in response New Zealand’s national challenge with productivity and Spark research highlighting several emerging pressure points for SMEs:
71% of SME (10-49 FTE) agree that applying new technologies could deliver significant productivity gains for their business
Yet 60% of SME say that most important area to improve efficiency is staff development/skills recruitment, and only 25% saying technology is most important
More than half of all NZ businesses face barriers in implementing new technology to streamline processes, with barriers being particularly high for start-up businesses (74%)
Biggest barriers to smaller organisations include cost (40%) and lack of knowledge (42%)
This indicates that while SMEs see technology as an important enabler of productivity, many are prioritising staff development ahead of digital tools – often because they lack the capability, investment, or confidence to adopt them.
Greg Clark, Spark’s Chief Customer Officer, says the findings underline the need for a different approach to supporting the SME community.
“We know many small business owners often carry the load on their own – the pressure, the decisions, the responsibility. It can be lonely. This partnership brings together Spark’s technology expertise and Icehouse’s deep experience in business growth to give owners not just tools, but a genuine sense of community. These workshops create time and space to connect with peers, hear from experts, and tap into thought leadership that can spark new ideas and confidence.
“SMEs are the backbone of our economy, but many are working flat‑out without the systems or headspace to make meaningful productivity gains. Our research shows the gap isn’t only technology access – it’s the human factors: hesitation to change, fear of disruption, and the struggle to carve out time for what matters. Together, we’re giving SME owners practical, proven ways to work smarter, supported by simple AI literacy and better everyday business systems.”
Participants of these free workshops will learn how small changes in leadership habits can materially lift productivity, supported by simple digital workflows, and a risk-and-accuracy checklist for safe adoption and implementation within their business. They’ll also gain free access to the Spark AI Foundations course upon completion of the workshop to continue improving their AI literacy for better workplace productivity (usually valued at $450NZD).
Icehouse Chief Executive Olivia Blaylock says, “We’re proud to partner with Spark to help more Kiwi businesses thrive. Together, we’re combining Spark’s nationwide reach and digital expertise with Icehouse expertise to support business owners with the capability and confidence they need to make smart, sustainable decisions. There’s so much competing for a business owner’s attention – cutting through the noise with trusted support is what this partnership delivers.”
The programme has been intentionally designed around the realities of SME owners, who are practical, time-poor, and often juggling competing priorities. Each attendee leaves with a 30-day plan, a weekly review rhythm, one process improvement to test, and a ‘Stop, Start, Systemise’ list tailored to their business.
