Entrepreneurs Aim to Inspire

Dunedin (Tuesday, 14 October 2014) – A high-powered gathering of international, national and local entrepreneurs in Dunedin next week aims to encourage even more interest in start-up businesses.

Dunedin City Council Enterprise Dunedin Business Development Advisor Chanel O’Brien says these entrepreneurs will share their experiences and advice with people potentially interested in starting up a business.

The aim of the workshop, being held at the Start Up Space in Leithbank Street, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday, 21 October, is to encourage more people to take part in the next Start Up weekend, planned for March 2015.

Speakers at the workshop will include one of the top young entrepreneurs in Asia, Joel Noeh, “Young Global Leader 2013”(World Economic Forum)and the founder and CEO of Groupon Malaysia, Groupon Taiwan, and International Vice President, Groupon Asia Pacific. He also founded and leads Youth Asia, a group of internet companies which focuses on investing and launching innovative internet companies. While in New Zealand as a guest of Asia 2000, Mr Noeh will meet industry leaders and entrepreneurs in the technology field, learn about New Zealand’s tech sector and explore ways of enhancing business links between New Zealand and Malaysia.

Also taking part is Global Start Up Facilitator Dave Moskovitz from Wellington. He is a professional director and early-stage investor in a number of start-up businesses, including The Appreciation Engine, ShowGizmo, Ponoko and 8interactive. Mr Moskovitz will talk about helping entrepreneurs and their start ups from inspiration to global success.

Dunedin entrepreneur Lani Evans, CEO of Thank You Payroll and recent finalist in the 2014 New Zealand Innovators Awards, will talk about her business, which uses an IRD subsidy to provide small businesses and charities throughout the country with a free payroll system. The company aims to have 10% of the NZ market by the end of 2015, with international expansion possible.

Jason Beck, who will drive Dunedin’s next Start Up Weekend, will discuss how people can get involved and the experience he has gained from participating.

"The beauty of the start-up weekend model is that it is low commitment and high impact. If you have ever considered entrepreneurship, but didn't know where to start, start-up weekends are a fantastic first step because whether you are a full-time student or a stay-at-home mum, most people can spare a weekend."

Ms O’Brien says Dunedin has already hosted three previous Start Up weekends, which are non-profit, community-building events. Participating in a Start Up weekend provides an opportunity to launch a start-up business in 54 hours, with the support of experienced mentors, and an opportunity to pitch to judges and investors at the completion of the weekend.

The Start Up Space is a project within Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy under the theme ‘alliances for innovation’. The Grow Dunedin Partnership, consisting of the Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago, the Otago Southland Employers Association, the Otago

Chamber of Commerce, Ngāi Tahu and the DCC, oversees the project, which also houses the Audacious business programme, Ignite Consulting and is a base to support people wanting to start up a business.

Grow Dunedin Partnership Chair Chris Staynes says, “The Grow Dunedin Partnership aims to support Dunedin businesses through the Economic Development Strategy and the theme ‘a hub for skills and talent’. The Start Up space is a way of connecting entrepreneurs to try ideas, develop concepts and start something new."

If you are interested in taking part in next week’s workshop, please contact Ms O’Brien.

ENDS

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