Childhood Buddies Switch Base To Business Incubator
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday November 18, 2003
BEN Richardson and David Greiner grew up in the same street, went to the same primary and high schools, completed the same degree at the University of Wollongong and then went into business together.
So it's only fitting that the pair took the next exciting step in their career together when they became the first tenants of a new business incubator in southern Sydney.
The Sutherland Shire Hub for Economic Development (SSHED), based at Loftus TAFE, has the capacity to cater for 24 innovative small and medium enterprises.
The web and software solutions company - Switch I.T. - started by the two young men while undertaking information and communication technology degrees at Wollongong, is one of the fortunate ones.
``The facilities are great - it's a lot better for us to bring clients here than to the Gymea house which we were operating out of," Mr Richardson said.
Mr Greiner added: ``We can also take advantage of the support services here - we have access to business mentors and marketing experts among others - plus we have already formed a partnership with one of the other companies here."
Sutherland Mayor Phil Blight said 12 young businesses were now established on site.
``The SSHED will provide a nurturing environment where up to 24 innovative businesses will receive the support and mentoring they need to succeed," he said.
``This will mean more jobs for people in our area. Even more importantly the links we are building between our business incubator, the University of Wollongong and TAFE will ensure that this precinct becomes a centre of business and education excellence."
Mr Richardson and Mr Greiner are already doing their bit to give back - they plan to employ a University of Wollongong graduate in the future.
© 2003 Illawarra Mercury
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