Programme to help businesses succeed
16 September 2015
A PROGRAMME that helps businesses succeed will run again for the third time in Kawerau.Kawerau X Incubate is a 12-week programme providing business coaching in both group and one-on-one sessions for established organisations, or fledgling businesses-social enterprises wanting to launch a new product or service.
The programme has had five intakes previously, two in Kawerau and three in Rotorua, with more than 40 graduates.
Kawerau Enterprise Agency executive director Helen Stewart said KEA was excited to offer Kawerau enterprises a third round of the programme, subject to sufficient uptake of places.
“For Kawerau to thrive we need to support initiatives that will boost Kawerau’s economy. It’s crucial that we help and support people who take the risk and start a business, or social enterprise.”
“The Incubate programme offers a mix of coaching and training, with the focus on participants setting goals, implementing actions and increasing success through business planning.
“It teaches participants the importance of spending time working on the business and, after 12 weeks, they will walk away with a business plan to help them succeed,” she said.
“We have already had more than 20 participants through the programme in Kawerau and feedback has been extremely positive.
“The training they receive is invaluable, but participants get the bonus of developing business networks.
The groups support each other, learn from each other and help each other.”
Incubate participants have ranged from fledgling start-ups to existing businesses and charities who wanted to take their organisation to the next level.
One such participant, Debbie Henton, was fed up with how long it was taking to make progress with her business initiative. She saw the Incubate programme advertised and put her name forward.
“I found Incubate helped me with the accountability factor of just making time to focus on growing and improving the business. It made all the difference.
“It helped me make progress, thanks to everyone’s encouragement to just do it, in particular the programme director, Darren McGarvie.
“He kept us accountable to make progress and challenged us to challenge ourselves,” Ms Henton said.
The programme was designed by Rotorua X, a charitable trust set up to inspire, grow and launch business and social enterprises in Rotorua.
Rotorua X chairman Mr McGarvie said the programme focused on helping start-ups and businesses to be successful and learn the fundamentals of business.
“Small business is the backbone of the New Zealand economy. For regional towns like Kawerau to experience economic growth it is so important that young businesses and social enterprises have access to support and training.
“At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will have completed a basic business plan to help them succeed,” he said.
Kawerau X Incubate will commence later this month. Applications to join the programme are online at www.svy.mk/1J16f9C
Source: Whakatane Beacon
Photo Supplied to the Whakatane Beacon
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