The Orchard Story:A Business and Event Hub in a regional ED context

The Orchard Story

• Introduction• The Hustle• Fruition • The Pivot• Delivering MVP• Next steps

Northland Inc’s ecosystem model

The Hustle. Understanding the concept

• What is this ‘coworking thing’? • What is the Gig economy?

coworkingis the future.

The Hustle.But, is this an EDA task?

• RGS / TTNEAP• Perceptions vs fact

• Geographic / wealth diversity• Demographic trends

WE’RE INTENT ON BUILDING

ENVIRONMENTS WHERE

ASPIRATIONS, INSPIRATION AND

PERSPIRATION CAN BE

HARNESSED TO POWER THE

GROWTH OF OUR REGION.

Our MissionTo strengthen, diversify and grow the Northland economy.

The Hustle. Proving the demand

All of Northland? Or just Whangarei?

Market research: • Online surveys• Start Up cafés in all

catchment areas. • Workshops• Stakeholder discussions• Akau design school

The Hustle. The fight for funding

First things first. 1. Feasibility study - 30k2. Business Case -26kBoth funded by Northland Regional Council

Partner Funding• NRC – 70k: IGR Impact• MBIE – 70k: BBC Single Stage• NInc – 70k

Final Detail• 950 sqm multi purpose space @ 3x3x3

lease.

$70,000

$70,000

$70,000

Partner Contributions

Northland Regional Council

Ministry Business, Innovation and Employment

Northland Inc

The Orchard comes to fruition.2 years later…

The Orchard business & event hub- Enterprise lives here -

MISSION: Seed – Nurture – Grow To provide a physical and virtual place of connectedness. Where enterprising Northlanders can put roots down, cultivate their dreams and harvest success

Te KaupapaE tipu e rea.He hononga i te ao marama, te ao hurihuri.He waahi, he whare hoki hei whai oranga a nga pakihi o Te Tai Tokerau

VISION: The Orchard is a place where people share knowledge, get inspired and cultivate change. Our environment supports the next generation of enterprise where dreams and ideas become a commercial reality.

Te Mara nei he wahi whitiwhiti korero, he wahi hihiki te hinengaro a, ka huri nga haerenga. Te mea nui I konei te hapai i te rangatahi kia ora ai nga moemoea me nga whakaaro o ratou kia puta mai I te ao marama.

The Pivot. Our hybrid model

We ended up with a hybrid model tailored to our region. • Anchor tenants• Delivery of a number of business support

services from one location• Varied size meeting and event spaces• Mixed market of users

Our model’s weaknesses:• Triple helix• Reach in a regional context• Iwi / Maori engagement

The coworking ‘must haves’:• Community Manager• Flexible membership options• Events • Diverse spaces

• Social, active and focus

Delivering MVP.Getting it done

• Team• Events• Oily Rag• Lease negotiations• Brand and voice

Delivering MVP. Action

• Seeding Success Scholarships • Lunch Box Sessions• The Pick: 2017 • Expert Series • Meet-up groups • Mentor speed dating with Chamber• Community events

Delivering MVP. Performance

Total Capacity 30 desks = 15,600 hours of desk time per quarter to be used by both permanent residents and casual

9.82%

16.52%

53.58%

Next steps

2017/18:• First Spoke• Incubation Services delivery

Future opportunities• TechLab / Hub alignment• Aligned ecosystem programmes

Questions?Thank you for your time! (don’t forget to visit!)