FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What if I have not completed all the steps asked in the Application form?

We would encourage you to apply anyway.  By completing the application form you learn some of the key things needed to succeed, likewise the market validation training is designed to help you.  The process is intended to give you help through the competition and via mentors at your local church.

What if all the prizes are not relevant to my business idea
That’s fine, you are welcome to take up only the services that will be of benefit to you. You will have up to 12 months to claim the service / prize offered.
What if I can’t make all the market viability training nights?
That’s fine. These are intended to help you refine and develop your idea. There is no obligation. The team can give you a summary of what was covered.
How many people can I have on my team?

As many as you want, however if you are a finalist, then a maximum of four people can present on the Lions' Den night.

What do I present if I am a finalist?
The Icehouse team have ‘Pitch Deck’ templates that they could provide you to highlight the key elements of your business idea, including the problem it is solving, opportunity identified, who the customer will be and the market potential that exists.
Can I bring my friends and family on the Lions’ Den Night?
Absolutely! Please register to attend so we know how many to expect – we are anticipating this event will sell out.
I don’t go to a church, can I apply?
The focus of this event is for those who are committed to a local church in Auckland. We are looking to provide support, mentoring and coaching through those in local churches and for those who have a heart for business and building Gods kingdom.
I have been in business over 3 years, can I apply?

Unfortunately no. We are looking to focus this event on new ideas, start-ups and those early in the business journey (less than 3 years) who are launching a new product or service. There are other support mechanisms to grow your business that we can discuss outside of this event. Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Will the Lions or others invest in my business idea?

The role of the Lions in this event is to provide expert questioning and feedback on the night of the event and to be the judges to make a consensus decision of a winner on the night. All investment offers are outside of this event and competition and would be considered as personal to you. We hope the competition would provide you exposure where interested parties may well get in touch with you. The prize pool includes support and guidance for capital raising as well as potential opportunity to present to an Investor Day.

How will the winner be decided?
This will be a combination of assessing the application form, the video summary, input from The Icehouse mentors during market validation and the presentation on the night. It is not an assessment of presentation skills – it is an assessment of the business idea and the potential of the individual (with help and support) to take this through to success.