Not a Book Club: What's stopping you from starting?

Got an idea for a business, side hustle or project, but haven't taken the first step?

Not a Book Club is a new series of free group conversations from Startup Queenstown Lakes and QLDC Libraries. Each session explores an idea from a well-known business book and connects it to the questions, challenges and opportunities involved in starting something of your own.

The first session draws on The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, exploring how testing an idea early can help you learn what works before committing too much time or money.

Led by Rene Koehler, Startup Queenstown Lakes - Growth Coach & Wānaka Lead, the conversation will look at the things that stop people from getting started and ways to make that first step more manageable.

Whether you're considering a business, a side hustle, a creative project or an idea you're not quite sure what to do with yet, this is an opportunity to share perspectives and explore what's possible with others.

You don't need to have read the book, have business experience or arrive with a fully formed plan.

Event details

• Date: Thursday 29 October 2026

• Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm

• Location: Wānaka Library

• Cost: Free

• Registration: Essential, spaces limited.

This event is the first of a series of 'Not a Book Club' events hosted by Startup Queenstown Lakes in collaboration with QLDC Libraries.