Dunedin Opens First Library Business Hub

Dunedin (Friday, 31 January 2014) - The Dunedin City Council’s Economic Development Unit and Dunedin Public Libraries are providing free and readily accessible advice for those with business ambitions – whether start-ups, currently operating or pondering a self-employment change.

A business resource area has been established in the City Library and free business clinics are being offered on Tuesday evenings. The hub, the first of its type in New Zealand, takes advantage of existing staff, expertise and facilities to create an easily accessible place for business information and support. DCC business advisors are available for half hour sessions in a private meeting room.

The Dunedin Public Libraries are a goldmine of resources with 2300 business books in the adult lending collection, and subscriptions to 22 business/industry oriented magazines. As well as many more magazines available through the Library’s digital resources, including EbscoHost, General OneFile and Business Insights: Global.

DCC Business Development Advisor Sophie Barker says, “We are responding to a 2013 DCC survey which indicated that one of our top four expenditure priorities should be ‘supporting businesses and industries’. The DCC is showing our commitment to this priority by creating the new Business Hub, which also supports our ‘red carpet, not red tape’ business friendly approach across the organisation.”

DPL Head of Customer Services Mike Collett says, “We think the Library is a fantastic place to house a business hub – we’re in the business of sharing knowledge. We also offer a free ‘Book a Librarian’ service, for those wanting to learn their way around the Library and its array of resources.”

DCC Business Development Advisor Sophie Barker adds, “Our business advisor team can help with free, impartial, confidential business advice, DCC advocacy, assessments and training vouchers, migrant Settlement Support, and cluster support for the visitor, film, food, IT and engineering industries and expert referrals. We have years of experience, knowledge and useful contacts to share and we’re keen to help businesses and Dunedin’s economy grow.

“If people need any business support, we can help them find a solution. We pride ourselves on our business knowledge and being able to connect people to results.”

Chair of the Grow Dunedin Partnership Chris Staynes says, “This project is an example of one of the Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy’s (EDS) core values, working in collaboration and partnership.”

The business hub contributes to outcomes for the EDS which states Dunedin needs to ‘build and retain the skills and knowledge of existing residents… encouraging our labour force to continually up-skill’ and to ‘ensure Dunedin is an easy place to do business’.

To make use of this resource, visit the City Library, www.dunedin.govt.nz/business or www.dunedinlibraries.govt.nz/business-hub. To make an appointment, contact the Economic Development Unit on 477 3409 or shaz.clark@dcc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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