The question was, is the Rockhampton region a good place to commence a start-up business? I asked it at the last Startup Capricorn Meetup to the guest presenter Dr. Terry McCosker. Terry has been involved in 2 start-up’s, the latest one 13 years in development since deciding to act on his idea. An idea that measures how much carbon is taken from the atmosphere and stored in the ground. Which has attracted multi-million dollar pay on performance contracts, gained international attention and possible funding, created new employment opportunities in the region and possibly in the very near future a whole lot more. An idea hatched and still in the process of being developed in Yeppoon. Why stay in Yeppoon when the world is your potential stage? Terry’s answer to my question was ‘yes’ the Rockhampton/Capricorn Coast region is a good place to commence a start-up, because of the lower cost of living compared to metropolitan centres and the lifestyle the region offers. And you’re only 90 minutes away from going to nearly anywhere in the world. Because of these factors Terry can attract the people he wants, people better than he in the skill sets required. What an endorsement for the region, one that is hopefully utilised by those with the resources to push for this region to become a magnet for start-up’s. I also asked, what is needed to make this region more attractive for start-up’s to develop their ideas here. ‘Stories’ was Terry’s response, stories from local entrepreneurs who have developed their innovative ideas and continue to tweak them here. The local media may give them a brief mention at some point in their development but largely their innovation goes unnoticed by the general public. We need to capture these stories and start telling them regularly to a national audience.
Next Wednesday Startup Capricorn is hosting Rockhampton’s first Mentor Blaze. It is a golden opportunity for people with a business idea to spend up to 4×20 minute sessions with local business professionals. This region is fertile to develop ideas; bit by bit a strong eco-system is being put into place to help their fruition, like holding Mentor Blaze. Take the opportunities offered. Visit www.mentorblaze.com for booking details and like the Startup Capricorn Facebook page to meet the mentors.