In this video conversation, Ben Amos and I discuss the evolving business landscape of the Sunshine Coast - also relevant for many regions around the world - focusing on the importance of innovation and the potential for growth by existing businesses within the region.
Read MoreNaive Optimism: The Hidden Engine of Startup Success. If you knew how hard it was going to be you might not start at all. Naive optimism - is a founder’s belief that they can succeed despite tough odds. Far from being a flaw, in the early days it can be your secret weapon.
Read MoreWhen local governments seek to boost economies, the traditional playbook points toward attracting major corporations and supporting startups. This dual focus leaves a major blind spot. Research consistently shows that ‘second-stage’ businesses—established, growth-oriented, mid-sized local firms - are actually the primary engines of sustained employment and productivity growth.
Read MoreMany startup founders seek autonomy through entrepreneurship, using their skills and talents to have greater control over their destinies. One of the biggest differences between employees and entrepreneurs is the need for autonomy.
Read MoreInfluential research by NESTA highlighted that a small number of high-growth businesses are responsible for the lion’s share of job creation and prosperity, and that innovation is instrumental in the success of these businesses.
Read MoreThe right people – and the relationships between them – will make or break a startup. So if you are starting a new business how do you find and build a great team?
Read MoreIdeas for startup businesses are everywhere. Here are six ways to find your big idea and make it happen. You can tap into your experience, build networks and respond to customer and market opportunities.
Read MoreBuilding and tapping into an effective network is essential in starting and growing a successful business. Networking is about establishing and building positive relationships with potential clients, peers and partners to help you and your business advance.
Read MoreStart with the end in mind: build a business with strategic value. Whether the business is just an idea, a startup or 20 years down the track, it’s always a good idea to think about the day when you will no longer run your business and to take practical steps to be ready for an exit.
Read More‘A time for crisis is not something an entrepreneur survives, it’s the reason you are an entrepreneur’, Bill Aulet, MIT.
A 52-page report, published in January 2021, aimed at owner-managers of SMEs and provides valuable information and examples on the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreTwo new innovation workshops for small businesses to run at The Generator, Gympie. The first focuses on Developing an Innovation Mindset and the second is on From Concept to Commercialisation. Both are aimed at owner-managers of small to mid-sized businesses from all industry sectors.
Read MoreHighlights from a presentation on how to step back from day to day business and focus on building strategic value in your business, tapping into new types of innovation and building the business with an exit in mind.
Read MoreA new performance-based funding model for universities in Australia will take into account graduate employment outcomes - there are many opportunities to boost graduate employment in regional areas.
Read MoreFree but limited places now available for the Making Innovation Happen workshops to be held at the Peregian Beach Digital Hib on 3 July and the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs on 9 July. Aimed at owner managers of small to mid sized businesses from all sectors.
Read MoreWhat skills do we need for today and the future? Aspirations, talent and technology are creating a wide range of career opportunities. More of us will work as free agents, independent workers, work in small businesses or our own business than will work as employees in large companies.
Read MoreThe next Innovation Master Class will run from 27 March to 15 May 2019 at the Peregian Beach Digital Hub. Aimed at owner managers of small to mid sized businesses, this course helps business to grow through innovation. Places are limited, book your place now.
Read MoreDeveloping communities of innovation - interview for Stories from the Red Couch. Idea on how towns, cities and regions can survive and thrive in today’s economy. Includes ideas on how to identify and develop your regions strengths and build profile of ‘local heroes’.
Read MoreToo many cities and regions try to copy Silicon Valley. A more helpful approach is to figure out how to be the best version of your city. Cities and regions must control their destiny, build upon their strengths and advantages and support startup and established businesses.
Read MoreAlmost every week I hear about a city or region across the world that wants to be the ‘Next Silicon Valley.’ Lots of people head to Silicon Valley to see what they can learn and find opportunities. That’s all good, but Silicon Valley is not the only - or even the best - place to visit or learn from if you are trying to build a better future for your city or region.
Read MoreThe next Innovation Master Class will run at the Peregian Beach Digital Hub with a series of half-day workshops running from 9 October to 15 November.
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