Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has allocated annual funding in its 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan to support new business diversity across the district, and has projects to support fledgling existing businesses.

$220k has been budgeted for Startup Queenstown Lakes, a group that has evolved from The Cube in Wanaka. This funding will boost support for startup businesses by offering mentoring, events, and upskilling for entrepreneurs. Another $160k has been ring-fenced for other economic development initiatives still in the planning phase. One of these projects is a collaboration with the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce to help employers recruit and retain staff.

Alistair King, co-founder of The Cube Wanaka, is pleased to see the initiative grow. “A district wide approach was always the intention for The Cube so it is fantastic to see this growth happening. With over 30 mentors giving their time to help businesses and a database of more than 360 people interested in entrepreneurship in the area demand and support is here, it is now about growing this opportunity for diversification of our economy,’ says Mr King.

Startup businesses are one way our local economy can diversify and offer more employment opportunities according to QLDC Councillor Ross McRobie.

“We need to support our existing businesses, but also help spark entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. We want to be a business base for ambitious entrepreneurs bringing something new and innovative into the district, not be known as a bolt-hole for those who have already made it”.

Peter Harris, economic development manager for QLDC, has been impressed by the efforts put in by people across the district already. “The Cube has helped numerous businesses launch and grow in the Upper Clutha and the potential to see this happen in a coordinated way across the whole district is exciting”.

“The Queenstown and Wanaka Chambers of Commerce are both supportive of the economic development support offered by QLDC. This fits well with the two Chambers which are collaborating to support existing businesses,” says Mr Harris.

Details of QLDC’s economic development strategy and activities are available on the QLDC website.

ENDS

© Scoop Media