AMA partners with Icehouse
We’re thrilled to share that we are partnering with Icehouse to bring new opportunities to small and medium-sized manufacturers ready to take the next step in their growth journey.
From capability building to business support, this partnership is all about empowering Kiwi makers and doers with the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive — locally and globally.
If you're a SME manufacturing business owner looking to grow smarter, scale sustainably, lead confidently, and gain more time to work on the business, not just in it — this is for you.
For business owners with $3M+ turnover. The Owner Manager Programme will give you the confidence to put progressive plans in place for you and your business. You’ll refine and develop your skills through sessions with The Icehouse facilitators, external experts and fellow Owner Managers.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The scholarship through Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa is valued at $5,000.
The total investment for the Owner Manager Programme is $33,335 excl GST. (NB: the $5,000 scholarship is deducted from this total investment)
A 25% deposit is required. Payment plans can be set up.
You may also qualify for Management Capability Development funding through your Regional Business Partner. To explore if your business is eligible for support, please contact your Regional Business Growth Advisor.
Qualifying criteria:
1) Turnover: $3m+
2) Privately held manufacturing business
3) Can commit to 16 days over 6 sessions (group in-person)
The six in-person group sessions are scheduled as follows:
Block 1: February 2026, Auckland
Block 2: March 2026, Auckland
Block 3: April 2026, Auckland
Block 4: May 2026, Auckland
Block 5: June 2026, Auckland
Owner Manager Programme scholarship opportunity – expressions of interest close: 31st October 2025.
An AMA & Icehouse panel will review submissions and select the lucky recipient. Winner will be announced 5th November 2025.
👉Submit your expression of interest here Complete OMP2025 Scholarship EOI
FIND OUT MORE - MANUFACTURING CASE STUDIES
👉Pact of Steel - High School Friends Unite to Build Award Winning Business
We kicked off our partnership with a prize awarded to a lucky finalist at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2025. The lucky recipient of the Icehouse Emerging Leaders Programme was Argus ManuTech.
Nathan Hay - General Manager, Argus ManuTech was the winner of the Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership Award and was on hand to accept this prize. Congratulations Argus ManuTech! We look forward to following the progress of the lucky Argonaut!
