Russell Bell PHOTO/FILE
I'm hearing a lot about encouraging some of the tidal wave of baby boomers to come here to live for their later years.
Yes, the idea has merit, but wouldn't it be better to focus energy on supporting local businesses and young entrepreneurs, as they would live here for a lifetime (and so might their kids)?
What I am saying is that there are many ways to generate economic growth but the key, in my mind, is to generate the right types of growth.
I was really pleased this week to assist two young entrepreneurs who have established a "next generation" business. They have come up with something quite innovative and exciting, and are moving quickly to take a strong foothold in the market.
As with most things, it starts with an idea and then, before too long, the idea is generating cash and satisfied customers. Curiously, as it is with most of these types of endeavours, there will come a time when the bulk of the populace will sit back and say "Gee, I could have thought of that." Well - guess what? - they thought of it first and good on them.
So when I think about their idea, my own ideas and some of the projects and start-ups which are appearing around town, I get excited that may be, just may be, there is a real chance for Wanganui to be established and embedded as the place for business ideas to grow.
In spite of the naysayers, of which there are a few, our city could be in a unique position to give rise to a new wave of economic growth. From being recognised as an "intelligent community", to our existing manufacturing power base, to harnessing and supporting innovation in the many and varied forms in which it arises.
Over the past three months, projects I am involved with have seen me travelling a fair bit. One of the recurrent themes I see is how Gen-Y'ers in the regions are creating businesses which are filling the gaps caused by the attrition of traditional business models.
With the support of economic development programmes, these new businesses are becoming robust and successful. Community groups are also getting in on the act and working to attract businesses, as well as developing high "value-added" products which bring greater returns to the regions concerned.
Despite the opportunities out there, the business mentioned above also brings a glimpse of the challenges ahead, as the managing director no longer lives here. He explained how his new community was buzzing, positive and the ideal soil to plant a business like his - it was better positioned than Wanganui.
The wider environment needs to be right for local business to thrive. It is time to turn our attention to allowing the opportunities and possibilities to dominate our collective thinking.
Only then can Wanganui become renowned as a place where good ideas become great business.
If you have a great idea or are starting out in business, we can help you be successful - call 06 347 9997 or 021 244 2421.