cairns regional council - planning and …...2017/06/14 · in the regional queensland 2015 startup...

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PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

14 JUNE 20178

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION FUND ACQUITTAL FOR THESPACECAIRNS – STARTUP AND INNOVATION PROGRAM 2016

Belinda Hutchinson | 1/8/8-03 | #5440735

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council notes this report.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report provides an overview of outcomes resulting from the funding agreement between Cairns Regional Council and theSPACE Cairns (theSPACE).

Funding was provided from the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) to support the Startup and Innovation Program 2016 (The Program), which was delivered by theSPACE. Events held included startup and innovation weekends and workshops with visiting entrepreneurs. These events were designed to provide participants with information, skills, connections and inspiration to turn ideas into commercial realities.

Outcomes achieved include:

Nine events held throughout 2016. Several were Australian firsts. Over 360 attendees across the nine events.New jobs were created and employment was gained by several participants. $59,500 in additional funding was leveraged.

BACKGROUND:

Cairns Regional Council’s EDF supports the development and delivery of projects that result in economic benefit to the Cairns region. theSPACE received $20,000 from the EDF to support delivery of the Startup and Innovation Program 2016.

Over the past five years, theSPACE has been working with key strategic partners to build the startup and innovation ecosystem in Far North Queensland. They provide consulting services, business coaching, mentoring and training for the development and commercialisation of ideas. They also lease co-working spaces.

The Program aimed to support development of startups and business innovation. It offered participants the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to develop business ideas with support from industry experts and mentors. The Program also aimed to increase support available for innovation in the region and strengthen Cairns’ position as a desired location for startups and entrepreneurs.

Agenda Planning and Environment Committee – 14 June 2017 #5441991

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COMMENT:

Events delivered under the Program exceeded agreed obligations and were held throughout 2016 as follows:

1. Startup Basecamp Pre-accelerator Program - April to May22 participants $100,000 grant received by at least 1 participant First Australian indigenous pre-acceleratorOne indigenous participant received employment following this event.

2. Startup Weekend – April69 attendees educated about business startupsThe region’s first Makers Space was established as a result.

3. Visiting Entrepreneur: Aaron Birkby, Startup Catalyst – August23 attendees inspired by Aaron Birkby, the CEO of Startup Catalyst.

4. Visiting Entrepreneur: Prashant Lagisetti, Timelooper – August17 attendees learnt about virtual reality technology and how it has been developed for virtual tourism.

5. James Cook University (JCU), theSPACE and Council Two Day Startup Sprint –September

theSPACE & Council staff pitched challenges for the students to solve Over 60 third year JCU IT students participated.

6. Innovation Weekend - October 43 participants, including ten mentorsInnovation showcase included virtual reality, drones, 3D printer, beaconing, 3D painting and green screen technologyAn Australian first eventTwo part time jobs were created.

7. FNQ Schools Startup Summit – October47 students from 5 schools learnt about agile planning, lean startup methodologies, market validation and team buildingAn Australian first event.

8. Startup Weekend – November22 participants educated, connected and inspired on business startup.

9. Visiting Entrepreneur: Greg Miller, Bookme.com - November41 attendees heard from Greg Miller about his experience founding Bookme.

TheSPACE also supported Council’s Tropical North Queensland Innovation Awards held in November 2016, assisting with promotion and hosting information evenings for applicants.


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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met with local entrepreneurs in June 2016 at theSPACE. This visit was the result of the various entrepreneurial activities and events that Cairns Regional Council & theSPACE have partnered on over the last two years.

Cairns is increasingly gaining a reputation for being a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. In the Regional Queensland 2015 Startup Ecosystem Report, it stated that Cairns was the surprise stand out, having a higher startup density than South East Queensland. Demographer Bernard Salt has identified Cairns as an ideal “lifestylepreneur” destination, having significant opportunity to attract entrepreneurs and innovators offering knowledge-based services.

As a result of The Program and ongoing work theSPACE has done to promote the Cairns entrepreneurial community, the Queensland Government has announced a newstrategic partnership with theSPACE. theSPACE are also part of a broader group of organisations from Far North Queensland seeking funding from the Queensland Government’s Advancing Regional Innovation Program.

OPTIONS:

This report is for noting.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Risk Management:

Council will continue to facilitate and support innovation by delivery of the 2018 Innovation Awards and working closely with key partners, including CCIQ, the Young Entrepreneurs Project, Advance Queensland, Federal Government and theSPACE.

Council Finance and the Local Economy:

The cost to Council for delivery of The Program was $20,000 (excl. GST). Evidence of expenses incurred to deliver The Program has been provided by theSPACE.

An additional $59,500 in funding was received from state and federal government and other organisations towards events held as part of The Program.

The Program supported participants to develop business ideas, which will lead to creation of new employment opportunities and growth of the local economy.

Community and Cultural Heritage

The Program provided opportunity for members of the community to attend a range of events to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship and develop networks. A widevariety of participants engaged in The Program, including students, community services sector, business professionals and community members.

Natural Environment

Innovation is predominantly service related, which does not adversely impact the natural environment.


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Corporate and Operational Plans:

Project outcomes support Council’s Corporate Plan Strategic Goal 2.0 Economy:A strong, diversified and sustainable regional economy that supports the growth of new and existing industry and business activities whilst enhancing local lifestyle and providing long term employment opportunities.

Strategic actions under Goal 2.0 Economy include:

2.1 A diversified and innovative business sector;2.2 An economy which supports and facilitates employment opportunities;2.5 An attractive place to live, work and visit through the encouragement of

investment, development and employment.

Statutory:

The Local Government Act 2009 outlines key principles including good governance and transparent and efficient processes and decision making in the public interest. This report aims to provide good governance as part of a transparent reporting process for projects completed through the Economic Diversification Fund.

Policy

N/A

CONSULTATION:

theSPACE Cairns

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: Economic Diversification Fund Project Completion Form

Belinda HutchinsonEconomic Development Officer

Peter BoydA/General Manager Planning and Environment


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ATTACHMENT 1: ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION FUND PROJECT COMPLETION FORM


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cairns regional council - planning and …...2017/06/14 · in the regional queensland 2015 startup...

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