Entrepreneurs boosted in Bay

Pascale Hybound-Peron, a co-founder of Venture Centre, is trying to connect entrepreneurs. Photo/File

The Venture Centre's Entrepreneurs Everywhere events have become a semi-regular meeting point for local entrepreneurs over recent years.

Primarily social events held on Friday evenings, they demonstrated the strength of the community and the willingness of people in the Bay of Plenty to help each other succeed, said Pascale Hyboud-Peron, a co-founder of Venture Centre.

From February 10, the networking event will become a regular monthly fixture at Basestation in Tauranga, the home of Venture Centre's team which runs experiential learning services for all ages and stages.

"Starting a business is hard enough, it doesn't have to be an isolated, unsupported activity," said Ms Hyboud-Peron. "There are plenty of people working to create new ventures here and, although each enterprise is unique, there are common challenges that are easier to overcome if shared with others."

Ms Hyboud-Peron said Basestation had attracted entrepreneurs from 13 to 63.
"It's in connecting our intergenerational community that real value is made and shared. The variety of experience, understanding, insight and resources is what brings the benefit to everyone who chooses to join in."

A new element of Entrepreneurs Everywhere in 2016 will be an open mic segment.
Anyone will have the opportunity to make a two-minute pitch for what they need, which could range from finding leads or team members to finding out how to increase revenues by incorporating digital into a business.

"These community events are an important element of what Venture Centre does," she said.