Incubator Nurtures Businesses

Newcastle Herald

Friday March 10, 2006

GR

THE establishment of the Lower Hunter Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) and Business Incubator now in Kurri Kurri followed lengthy but sustained efforts by local government and business people in the Lower Hunter during 1992.

The Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre is part of a network of 120 Small Business Advisory Centres across Australia whose primary role is the support of business establishment and training in business principles.

In 1998 the BEC was successful in establishing a Business Incubator in Kurri Kurri to service the Lower Hunter.

The Business Incubator provides low-cost serviced offices and light industrial units to new businesses moving to the region.

Rents are economical and include all outgoings (except telephone).

Businesses may stay for up to three years during which time they receive practical business assistance and mentoring from the Hunter Region BEC and support from industry specialists.

Tenants are encouraged to move into commercial premises within the time frame of their agreement with the Hunter Region BEC.

Manager Rod Doherty said that, to date, 30 businesses had graduated from the Lower Hunter Business Complex (Incubator).

"There are now 18 businesses operating out of the incubator with two offices, one industrial unit and three commercial units vacant," Mr Doherty said. "Since the start of operations in 1992 the Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre has been involved with the establishment of more than 3000 new businesses creating greater than 3000 new jobs in the Lower Hunter region.

"Some of these businesses are in engineering support services, civil building consultants, OH&S practitioners, retail, tourism and IT companies."

With the construction and development of HEZ (Hunter Economic Zone) the Hunter Region BEC team would be in an ideal position to support new industry establishment with temporary office space and business support services, Mr Doherty said.

"During the year 2005 the Hunter Region BEC provided more than 7300 services to business, of which 523 were clients either starting their own business or gaining assistance from the BEC with existing business issues.

"In addition to the support provided to mainstream business through the sponsors of the BEC, the Department of Education and Training NSW provides financial support for the development of indigenous business throughout the Hunter Region using the Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer, Debbie Barwick.

"Debbie has been responsible for the support of more than 40 new business ventures in the indigenous community.

"The Hunter Region BEC has been a success story over the past 14 years and will continue to play a pivotal role establishing new business."

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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