The Kawerau, Bay of Plenty, 2014 Incubate X program, designed to help new business and social enterprise succeed and grow in Kawerau, was so well received that the program will run again in February 2015.
Kawerau X Incubate was a 10 week program that ran from October to December 2014. Participants received business coaching in both group and one on one sessions, as well as training modules to build business capability.
Seven businesses and entrepreneurs participated, fully funded by Kawerau Enterprise Agency (KEA). Participants ranged from fledging start ups to existing businesses and charities who wanted to take their organisation to the next level.
Kawerau X Incubate includes three entrepreneur sessions, five Mastery Modules providing training in business essentials, and three coaching sessions.
Executive director of KEA, Helen Stewart, said feedback from participants had been extremely positive.
“The program has given the participants coaching and training to set goals, implement actions and increase overall success through business planning to help them work on their business or social enterprise,” said Stewart.
“We are really thrilled with how the program has helped the participants and strongly believe that it is initiatives like this that will help boost Kawerau’s economic development.”
“What has been really pleasing to see is how the participants have supported each other, learned from each other, and helped each other.
“We need this culture of business support and improvement to grow and maintain a thriving business community. This is how many of Kawerau’s businesses started in 1980s and 1990s, so we know the same spirit is alive and well today,” Stewart said.
Designed by Rotorua X, a charitable trust set up to inspire, grow, and launch business and social enterprises in Rotorua, it is supported by other organisations including BDO, EMA, Flair Marketing, and AdviseMe.
One participant, Kathe Davey-Emms, was looking to set up a business venture when she heard about the Incubate program.
“If anyone is serious about setting up a business venture, this is the course to do. It guides you through every aspect of business.
“The scary and risky parts of business are real, but there are steps for success and guidelines for sustainability,” she said.
Rotorua X Chairman and Incubate facilitator, Darren McGarvie, said the majority of businesses in New Zealand are family-owned businesses with less than six employees.
“For regional towns to experience economic growth, it is essential that start ups and newly launched organisations have access to support and training,” said McGarvie.
“It is fantastic that Kawerau Enterprise Agency funds programs like this that will make a real difference to the local business community.
Kawerau X Incubate will commence in February 2015. Local businesses are invited to register their interest in the program by sending their name, details of their organisation or business idea, and contact information to kaweraux@gmail.com.
