Call for Wellington city wide business incubator

9 September 2010

MEDIA RELEASE - for immediate release

Candidate calls for Wellington to become a city wide business incubator

Businessman and Wellington City Council candidate Adam Cunningham has called for the capital to become “a city-wide business incubator”.

Mr Cunningham, who owns and operates several businesses in the region, said the city needs to find ways to bring commercial property owners, council, investors and essential services together to develop start up packages for business that make Wellington more supportive, better equipped and attractive to new ventures.

“Wellington needs to grow and promote its ability to support fledgling business, new business ideas and current business growth opportunities,” said Mr Cunningham who, is standing in the Lambton ward.

“We have Creative HQ already operating and doing a great job, but a city wide focus should involve a broader range of alliances to develop incentives for business to come to Wellington, not just support the business already here.

“New Zealand has long held a reputation for innovation and making new ideas work. Wellington needs to develop the reputation as a place to nurture new business and become a destination for businesses wanting to develop.”

Mr Cunningham said that leaders of successful Wellington-based organisations could be encouraged to provide free advice, support and mentoring to newcomers to the Wellington business community.

“This is not something that needs to cost large sums of money,” he said. ”It is about developing national and international networks and leading the charge to create a pro business destination.

“Leaders in sustainable growth, fiscal management, marketing and many other facets of success could help generate a feeling of community for people with new ideas, creative opportunities and, most importantly, vision.

“There are mentor models around New Zealand and in Wellington, but very few are offered free to support growth or marketed as a city-led initiative.

“Many businesses in New Zealand are owner operator and they are struggling. Creating more access to support and opportunities is an important part of Wellington’s future,” he said.

ENDS