How to Use Built in the Bay

Your complete guide to showcasing your startup and connecting with the Bay of Plenty entrepreneurial community

Quick Navigation

Getting Started

Sign up and create your account

Using the Dashboard

Navigate your control panel

Create a Startup

List your startup on the directory

Creating Posts

Share news and updates

Linking Posts

Connect posts to your startup

Community

Connect with other founders

Getting Help

Support and resources

Forums Coming Soon

Discuss and collaborate

Getting Started

Welcome to Built in the Bay! Here's how to create your account and join our startup community.

1

Click "Sign Up"

Find the "Sign Up" button in the top navigation menu or on the homepage.

2

Fill in Your Details

Provide your name, email address, and create a secure password. Make sure to use a valid email address as you'll need to verify it.

3

Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link. Check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes.

4

Complete Your Profile

Add your phone number and any additional information to help the community get to know you.

Tip: Use a professional email address that you check regularly. This will be your primary contact for notifications and community updates.

Using the Dashboard

Your dashboard is your control center for managing your startup listings, posts, and profile.

My Startups

View, edit, and manage all your startup listings in one place. Add new startups or update existing ones.

My Posts

See all your published and unpublished posts. Create news updates, announcements, or thought leadership content.

Profile Settings

Update your personal information, contact details, and account preferences.

Activity Overview

Track views, engagement, and see how your listings are performing in the directory.

Ready to explore?

Go to Dashboard

Creating a Startup Listing

Showcase your startup to the Bay of Plenty community with a detailed profile that highlights what makes you unique.

1

Access Your Dashboard

Log in and navigate to your dashboard. Click "Add New Startup" or the "+ Create Startup" button.

2

Enter Basic Information

Startup Name: Your company's official name
Tagline: A brief one-sentence description (60 characters max)
Description: Tell your story - what you do, who you serve, and what problem you solve

3

Add Visual Assets

Logo: Upload a square logo (minimum 400×400px, PNG or JPG)
Cover Image: Add a banner image (recommended 900×450px) that represents your brand

4

Select Categories & Details

Categories: Choose relevant industry categories (Tech, Creative, Education, etc.)
Location: Select your Bay of Plenty location (Tauranga, Rotorua, etc.)
Status: Idea, Beta, Live, or Scaling
Website: Your startup's website URL

5

Review & Submit

Double-check all information for accuracy, then click "Submit for Approval." Our team will review your listing and approve it within 24-48 hours.

Pro Tip: Write a compelling description that focuses on the value you provide, not just features. Include your unique story and what sets you apart from others in your space.
Note: All startup listings must be based in the Bay of Plenty region and go through an approval process to maintain quality and relevance.

Creating Posts

Share updates, announcements, milestones, and thought leadership content with the startup community.

1

Navigate to Posts

From your dashboard, go to the "My Posts" section and click "Create New Post."

2

Write Your Post

Title: Create an attention-grabbing headline
Content: Write your full article using the rich text editor. You can format text, add links, and structure your content with headings.
Excerpt: A short summary (optional but recommended for previews)

3

Add a Featured Image

Upload a high-quality image that represents your post. This will be displayed on post cards and the news page.

4

Select Categories

Choose relevant post categories to help readers find your content (News, Updates, Insights, Success Stories, etc.).

5

Link to Your Startup (Optional)

If this post relates to one of your startups, link it to create a connection. See the "Linking Posts to Startups" section below.

6

Publish or Save Draft

Submit your post for approval or save it as a draft to finish later.

Content Ideas: Announce product launches, share milestone achievements, offer industry insights, highlight team members, or tell customer success stories.

The Community

Built in the Bay is more than a directory - it's a thriving community of founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators supporting each other.

Connect with Founders

Discover other startups in the Bay of Plenty, explore their profiles, and find potential collaborators or partners.

Share Your Story

Use posts to share your journey, challenges, and successes. Your story can inspire and help other founders.

Engage & Support

Read posts from other founders, learn from their experiences, and engage with content that resonates with you.

Grow Together

The Bay of Plenty startup ecosystem thrives when we support each other. Share resources, advice, and opportunities.

"Building a startup can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Built in the Bay connects you with fellow founders who understand the journey."

Getting Help

Need assistance? We're here to help you make the most of Built in the Bay.

Email Support

Have a question or need assistance? Email us at:

[email protected]

We typically respond within 24 hours.

Documentation

You're reading it! Bookmark this guide for future reference. We update it regularly with new features and tips.

Report Issues

Found a bug or something not working? Let us know so we can fix it quickly and improve the platform for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does approval take?

Startup listings and posts are typically reviewed and approved within 24-48 hours. We review submissions to ensure quality and relevance to the Bay of Plenty region.

Can I edit my listing after it's approved?

Yes! You can edit your startup listing or posts at any time from your dashboard. Major changes may require re-approval.

Can I list multiple startups?

Absolutely. If you're involved in multiple Bay of Plenty startups, you can create separate listings for each one.

Is there a cost to list my startup?

Built in the Bay is completely free for Bay of Plenty startups. We're committed to supporting and showcasing our local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Community Forums Coming Soon

We're building an interactive forum where you can ask questions, share insights, and connect with the Bay of Plenty startup community.

What to Expect

  • Discussion boards for different topics and industries
  • Ask questions and get advice from experienced founders
  • Share resources, tools, and opportunities
  • Network with investors, mentors, and service providers
  • Participate in regular community events and challenges

Stay tuned for announcements about the forum launch!

Ready to Get Started?

Join the Bay of Plenty startup community today and showcase your innovation to the region.

Create Your Account Go to Dashboard