From breakfast to burgeoning business

Media Release

For Immediate Release

20 June 2013

From breakfast to burgeoning business

Have you got a great idea under wraps? A new product that is destined to be the next big thing? But need some help to get you started on the pathway to success?

If so, Enterprise Great Lake Taupō want to see you at their monthly ‘Next Great Idea’ meeting, being held at Taste Café on Roberts Street at 7.30am on Monday 1 July.

“We’ve worked with some great local entrepreneurs over the past two years as part of our ‘Shed to Stock Exchange’ programme,” says Enterprise Great Lake Taupō General Manager, Fritz Fröhlke. “One of the many things we’ve learnt working with these start-up businesses is that support in the early stages is critical, and building a support network of likeminded people who are going through the same issues and experiences is valuable.”

However, the ‘Next Great Idea’ isn’t just about chatting over a coffee and croissant.

“A major issue with getting a business idea off the paper and into reality is lack of funding,” explains Mr Fröhlke. “We now have access to multi-million dollar support through the Angel Investor network which is an incredible boost for our local start-ups. But before the Angel Investors will consider looking at a business idea or concept, it must first be rigorously pre-tested, have proven scalability and be market ready. So the ‘Next Great Idea’ is our platform for doing just that.”

Local businesswoman, Catie Noble enjoyed the first meeting and is coming back again.

“I don’t quite have my next big idea formed yet, but when I do I want to be ready to roll,” said Mrs Noble. “I want to know the process, how to pitch my idea, how to find some money!”

“I really like the opportunity to bash ideas around with like-minded people,” continues Mrs Noble. “We all have our strengths, and we all have different ways of looking at things. Being able to connect with people who have similar interests and discuss ideas for projects is inspiring and exciting. I’m looking forward to see the next great idea to come from Taupō”

At the July breakfast, Tina Jennen from Enterprise Angels (Tauranga) will present the Plenty of Innovation programme, and explain how to get a new business ready to pitch for investment.

Local entrepreneurs can then participate in the Plenty of Innovation programme and work towards presenting their business at the September ‘Next Great Idea’ meeting. One local entrepreneur will then be invited to showcase their business to the Angel Investors in October.

“It’s a bit like Dragon’s Den, but with much friendlier dragons,” laughs Mr Fröhlke. “Succeeding in business is challenging, you have to take risks and be brave. We’re hoping the ‘Next Great Idea’ provides the support network needed for our Taupō entrepreneurs to take their ideas from their shed, to the NZ Stock Exchange!”

Contact Fritz Fröhlke at Enterprise Great Lake Taupō for more details (Ph 07 376 7658 or email fritz@greatlaketaupo.biz).

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