How I Discovered My Passion for Helping Small Businesses: A Personal Journey with Benne

Starting a blog post is an exciting chance to share my journey. Today, I want to reflect on the path that led me to create Benne. My name is Kerry, and, like many of you, I am a passionate advocate for small businesses here in New Zealand.

When I embarked on this journey, I was delighted to be able to support small business owners. Today, I want to share my story, what led me to start Benne, and how I hope to empower small businesses like yours through the services we offer.

Giving Time Back to Small Business Owners

The Spark that Ignited My Passion

My story began at the age of 12 when I started my first successful business. From a young age, I loved being a business owner and learned invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship, such as negotiations, handling product returns, and responding to customer feedback. I embraced these challenges, and my hard work paid off—I was able to fund the purchase of my first big bike, treat my grandparents to a holiday, and even help with the occasional grocery shop.

It was no surprise that I fell in love with accounting at age 14, leading me to pursue a Bachelor of Business degree at AUT in Auckland. After that, I worked at two of the largest accounting firms in their forensic teams, gaining experience in the field. Eventually, I co-founded my own successful trade business, which I later exited, marking a significant milestone in my journey.

Fast forward to the years following my exit from my trade business—I began taking on clients through word of mouth. It was my accountant that foresaw the birth of Benne before I did. He knew I wouldn’t be able to resist starting another business, and he was absolutely right!

The Birth of Benne

The inspiration behind Benne stems from my passion for people and business. I truly love to help others, especially when things seem overwhelming. The name “Benne” is derived from the Latin word “bene,” meaning “well” or “good,” reflecting my commitment to fostering positive outcomes for my clients.

In New Zealand, statistics show that 97% of businesses are small enterprises, yet many struggle with financial management. Often, their passion for their products overshadows essential areas like bookkeeping. I recognized a genuine need for affordable bookkeeping solutions that would empower these owners to concentrate on what they do best—running their businesses.

I launched Benne with a clear mission: to provide accessible bookkeeping and business support services tailored to the unique needs of small business owners across New Zealand.

From my own experiences, I understood how managing finances could feel daunting. I envisioned Benne as a supportive haven where small business owners could find the assistance they need, whether it’s help with business administration services or reliable bookkeeping.

Through Benne, my goal is to simplify financial management for small businesses. My approach emphasizes clarity and practicality, ensuring that every business owner feels empowered to take control of their finances. For instance, small business owners can expect to save an average of 30% on administrative costs by outsourcing these tasks rather than managing them in-house.

Committed to supporting small business owners with affordable admin services.

My Commitment to Small Businesses

I genuinely love working with small businesses because of the sense of community it fosters. Each small business has its unique story and challenges, and I enjoy helping owners navigate their specific journeys.

At Benne, we take a hands-on approach to understand your needs and aspirations. No two businesses are alike, so we tailor our offerings to suit individual clients. Whether you seek advice on financial planning or need assistance with effective bookkeeping practices, we are dedicated to helping you succeed.

I draw inspiration from the courage and creativity of fellow small business owners. Their passion fuels my enthusiasm for this work. In fact, small businesses create 30% of jobs in New Zealand, making them vital to our economy. Every day, I strive to be the support they deserve.

Looking Ahead

As I continue this journey with Benne, my excitement for the future grows. I want to expand our services to better serve clients and reach even more small businesses across New Zealand. My vision is to create an environment where small businesses can share resources, knowledge, and support.

I plan on leveraging technology to enhance our offerings. Innovative financial management tools can simplify business operations and help owners focus on what they love. By integrating user-friendly software solutions, I aim to provide even more robust and affordable bookkeeping solutions adaptable to the changing needs of small businesses.

Connecting with the Community

Connecting with the local community is something I cherish. I believe in the power of learning from each other, so I frequently host workshops for small business owners. Sharing knowledge about financial management empowers others to take charge confidently.

I also enjoy engaging with the community through social media, particularly Instagram. There, I share insights, tips, and glimpses of our journey at Benne. You can follow our story and connect with us @benne.nz. It’s a great way to stay updated and learn about the various services we offer.

Passionate about supporting small businesses.

The Journey Forward

Through Benne, I strive to simplify financial management, offering business administration services that resonate with small businesses throughout New Zealand.

I invite you to join me on this journey! Together, we can create an environment rich in passion, innovation, and support. Let's uplift our small business community, fostering a thriving network of empowered entrepreneurs.

If you have a story to share, or if you'd like to learn more about how Benne can support your small business, please reach out.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you!

Kerry