Business Boot Camp Forces Tough Questions

MEDIA RELEASE

13 January 2014

Boot Camp Forces Tough Questions

Start up business entrepreneurs face tough questions when they sign on for the Business Boot Camp to be run over four weeks beginning Tuesday, 11 February.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Mark Futter says the first Boot Camp promoted by the Chamber, Hutt City Council and the ANZ was a great success.

“The programme provided support from other fledgling business people as they tackled the challenges of finding out whether their ideas had the potential to succeed.

“They faced tough questions and received guidance on developing business plans to provide a sound base for building a business,” he says.

Participants were universal in their support for the Business Boot Camp experience.

Cyndi Christensen, Hutt CBD Development Manager, says participants are provided with the tools to be successful.

“We are keen to support people who have a strong desire to develop their own business within Lower Hutt.

“They will contribute to our future prosperity as a city, create employment, and support growth,” she says.

Pet Abode-pet business owner Natalia Haniel says the course focused on the main aspects of running a business from the start.

“The courses were incredibly down to earth and gave sincere, sometimes blunt feedback - it was a good eye opener,” she says.

Eco-Fashion designer Denise Anglesey says the sessions were informative and professional.

“There was loads of room to talk about your business ideas and obtain feedback.

“I am looking forward to follow-up sessions being offered to fine tune parts of my business plan,” she says.

Gordon Dykes has been developing knowledge about 3D printing in a room in his home and has fostered the idea of sharing knowledge about how to generate wealth from products developed through 3D printing.

“The biggest thing for me has been sharing with other start-up operators and learning how they resolved their problems,” he says. “My aim is to grow 3D printing literacy across the community to promote access to the technology.”

Food manufacturer Tim Muller says the Boot Camp provides the basics to get going in terms of accounting for business activities.

Ventilation systems developer Bevan Hockley was also supportive. He says the “dragons den” style examination by a select panel of business leaders was “pretty tough.”

A member of the panel, Woburn International, Managing Director June Ranson, says a strength of the Boot Camp is the freedom to help new business entrepreneurs keep a strong grip on reality while being positive about the potential of a business idea.

There are spaces for 30 businesses and up to six businesses will qualify for support packages from ANZ which is a partner with the Learn Fast centre in the programme.

The one off cost for the four week course to be run on Tuesday evenings at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce in Daly Street is $50. Registrations of interest will be received by Cyndi Christensen at telephone 04 570 6963 or email cyndi.christensen@huttcity.govt.nz

ENDS

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