Last Friday night I walked into the Start-Up Hub at 212 Quay Street not sure what I would see. Startup Capricorn, CQUniversity and the Start-Up Hub held Rockhampton’s first Startup Weekend. How many entrepreneurially minded locals would commit to a full weekend creating and developing an idea into a real business opportunity? 40 plus people were in the room, more chairs were being unstacked, wow. On the same weekend other Startup Weekends I recall were happening in Japan and Paris; this weekend another 18 are being held across the world (and a similar concept again in Rockhampton).
‘Throw me an idea to solve a problem, any idea’, with this ice-breaker invitation from the facilitator the idea’s were shared demonstrating how easy it is to generate them on the spot in a conducive environment where no one is judging you. ‘Now pitch your solution to any of the ideas shared as you introduce yourself to the audience’, a little more challenging but an insightful way of getting to know people. With the introductions and pleasantries done now was the real test for the weekend how many had come with ideas to share with basically strangers and try to convince some of them to be part of their team to develop it over the next 54 hours. The excitement in the room could potentially go flat as a popped balloon as the question was asked. Hands however raised immediately, there were people here primed to grasp the opportunity offered with both hands. The process of creating real business opportunities in 54 hours had begun.
What happens now? From the relationship’s formed it is possible joint business opportunities could be further explored including the one they worked on. Others may seek and take advantage of the benefits the Start-Up Hub offers in developing a business idea now better informed and aware of what is needed to be done.
Unfortunately you will hear very little about Rockhampton’s Startup Weekend and the ripples that have started from holding it in mainstream media. More attention will be given to what a Tasmanian Senator supposedly says to her staff.
I mentioned that this weekend a concept similar to the Startup Weekend is being held in Rockhampton. Again not likely to be picked by mainstream media, it is called 3DS, not the Nintendo system but 3 Day Startup. Aimed at students, secondary and university; it too will have over 40 participants. Central Queensland desperately needs to activate and cultivate the entrepreneurial potential of many of us, especially our youth. I urge you to attend the public lecture by the CEO of 3DS Cam Houser this Monday at the Criterion Hotel starting 5.30pm and enhance your appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurialism and ways you can activate yours and/or your child’s potential.