'incubator' Savior In Heart Of City
The Age
Monday April 6, 1998
The Melbourne City Business Network (MCBN) was formed at the end of the recession to help revive small business within the central business district.
Differing from "incubators" in other capital cities in that it was in the city's heart, the centre had produced its share of success stories, said its chief executive, Mr Brian Knights.
"Between 40 and 50 businesses have been through our hands. Some have gone to greater things . . . Others have retired to lick their wounds a bit, but at least it hasn't been a traumatic and extremely costly experience for them because they're on monthly tenancies."
Mr Knights said the centre's vital role had been to allow professionals to "go it alone" without the impediments of a set lease and high overheads.
Among them is Mr Ahmed Nur, a former adviser to the United Nations and AusAID, who left public service to take up residency in the incubator last year.
His company, Trade Ties and General, deals with international trade links with Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Africa.
Mr Nur said that the MCBN had provided an opportunity to define the role he was playing.
"You feel more proud of whatever you do," he said. "Whether it leads to financial success or not, you feel like you have your destiny in your hands and you can direct things the way you think will lead to the best result."
He attributes the MCBN and the new enterprise incentive scheme (NEIS), which many of the occupants have completed, with providing the acumen and structure he needed to start his business.
The MBCN consists of three components: the business network; a busines enterprise centre; and the 45-room incubator.
The business network, which Mr Knights and his team started in 1994, gives residents access to a wealth of business experience.
From its first meeting, the network had aimed to be a learning experience for owners of small business in the CBD, said Mr Knights.
The MCBN also works with the City of Melbourne and the First Place centres in the role of a business enterprise centre.
Mr Knights and the network manager, Mr John Larcombe, each has more than 20 years' business experience.
The incubator component offers space on monthly leases for service providers. An average office costs $460 a month.
Mr Knights said the role of the incubator was to provide support, not readily accessible to businesses run from home, to those starting up or moving into the first stage.
© 1998 The Age