Winemaker Jess Mavromatis of Ekleipsis Wine has won the inaugural Thrive Fund Award forNorth Canterbury women who are
taking their businesses to the next level.
Waipara-based winemaker Jess Mavromatis of Ekleipsis Wine has been awarded the first Thrive Fund business scholarship
from public relations consultancy Real Communications.
Jess will use the funding for business mentoring to help expand her boutique organic wine brand which is currently
exported to Japan and Australia. Ekleipsis Wine is also available in select restaurants throughout New Zealand and from
Vino Fino in Christchurch.
“I am standing on a platform and I’m about to take a big jump with my business so having someone to guide me through the
process will help me take my business to the next level.”
Funds for the scholarship were raised from Thrive networking events held earlier this year. Real Communications director
Gina McKenzie plans to hold future events to provide ongoing awards for local female business owners who are focused on
expanding their businesses.
“I’m looking forward to having Jess as a guest speaker at a future Thrive event so we can learn how she has developed
her business, while also supporting new award winners with proceeds from the event.”