About Us

Our Story

Svarab was founded in 2015 by Emma Thompson and Michael Chen, two financial professionals who saw a significant gap in the market for accessible financial consulting services specifically tailored to micro and small businesses in New Zealand. After working for years at large corporate consulting firms, Emma and Michael noticed that small business owners were underserved, often unable to access the financial guidance they desperately needed due to prohibitive costs and services designed for larger enterprises.

The duo started Svarab with a simple mission: to democratize financial expertise for small business owners. Their first office was a modest space in central Christchurch, with just three clients in their first month. They focused on creating simplified financial systems and easy-to-understand reporting templates that made financial management accessible to entrepreneurs without accounting backgrounds.

By 2018, Svarab had grown to a team of eight consultants and expanded their service offerings to include workshops and personalized coaching. The devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became a pivotal moment for the company, as they quickly pivoted to help small businesses navigate government support programs, manage cash flow during lockdowns, and develop resilience strategies.

Today, Svarab operates from our eco-designed headquarters on Moorhouse Avenue in Christchurch, serving over 350 small businesses across New Zealand. Our team has grown to include specialists in various industries, but our commitment to making financial expertise accessible to small businesses remains unchanged.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To empower micro and small business owners in New Zealand with accessible financial expertise that helps them make informed decisions, achieve sustainable growth, and build resilience for long-term success.

Our Vision

To create a thriving small business ecosystem in New Zealand where entrepreneurs have equal access to financial guidance and tools, regardless of their size or resources.

Core Values

Accessibility

We believe financial expertise should be available to all business owners, not just those with large budgets. We design our services with affordability and clarity in mind.

Practicality

We focus on practical, implementable solutions rather than complex theoretical frameworks. Our advice is always actionable and relevant to real-world business challenges.

Sustainability

We promote financial practices that support both business longevity and environmental responsibility, believing that sustainable businesses create lasting value.

Education

We empower clients through knowledge transfer, ensuring they understand the financial aspects of their business rather than creating dependency on our services.

Our Expert Team

Emma Thompson

Founder & CEO

With over 15 years of experience in financial consulting, Emma leads Svarab's strategic direction and client experience. She holds an MBA from the University of Auckland and is a certified Financial Adviser. Emma specializes in strategic financial planning for growing businesses.

Michael Chen

Co-Founder & Financial Director

Michael oversees Svarab's financial analysis and reporting methodologies. With a background in banking and a degree in Financial Engineering, he specializes in creating simplified financial models that help small business owners make data-driven decisions.

Aroha Williams

Small Business Specialist

Aroha brings valuable experience as a former small business owner herself. She joined Svarab in 2018 and specializes in helping startups and micro-businesses establish solid financial foundations. She's particularly passionate about supporting indigenous Māori entrepreneurs.

David Patel

Workshop Facilitator & Cash Flow Expert

David leads Svarab's educational workshops and specializes in cash flow management and forecasting. With his background in adult education and finance, he excels at making complex financial concepts accessible to non-financial business owners.

Our Achievements

Canterbury Business Chamber "Small Business Champion" Award 2022

Recognized for our outstanding contribution to small business growth in the Canterbury region, having supported over 100 businesses in achieving financial stability.

350+ Small Businesses Served

We've helped over 350 micro and small businesses across New Zealand improve their financial management, resulting in an average 42% increase in profitability for our clients.

New Zealand FinTech Association "Financial Innovation Excellence" Award 2021

Awarded for our innovative approach to small business financial dashboards that combine accessibility with powerful insights for non-financial entrepreneurs.

92% Client Retention Rate

Our focus on building lasting relationships with our clients has resulted in an industry-leading 92% retention rate, compared to the industry average of 67%.

Sustainable Business Network NZ "Green Business Practice" Award 2022

Recognized for our commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices and for helping small businesses implement eco-friendly financial strategies.

What Our Clients Say

Sarah Jenkins

Coastal Crafts, Wellington

"Before working with Svarab, I was constantly stressed about my shop's finances. Their cash flow management system transformed how I run my business. I now have clear visibility of my financial position and can plan inventory purchases with confidence. Their workshops were incredibly practical, and Emma's personal coaching helped me implement systems that actually work for a small retail operation."

James Wilson

Hillside Cafe, Christchurch

"As a chef opening my first cafe, the financial side was overwhelming. Michael and the Svarab team created a simple dashboard that gives me exactly what I need to know without drowning in spreadsheets. Their industry-specific advice for hospitality businesses was spot on, and they helped me navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Three years later, we're not just surviving but thriving."

Moana Tehrani

EcoTrack Solutions, Auckland

"Svarab's guidance was instrumental during our startup's critical growth phase. Aroha helped us structure our finances to attract investors while maintaining operational stability. The financial forecasting models they created were crucial in our successful funding round. What sets them apart is how they explain complex financial concepts in ways that make sense to a technical founder without a finance background."

Ready to Transform Your Business Finances?

Let our expert team help you build financial clarity and confidence for your small business. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs.

Contact Us Today