Nelson in Focus

Business Development Opportunities

Venture Accelerator Network (VANs)

Venture Accelerator Network The Nelson region, with its strong growth, broad economic base and desirable lifestyle, is an appealing place to live and invest. There are a number of opportunities to invest in niche sectors with potential for attractive returns.

The Venture Accelerator Network (VAN) is a Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency initiative that aims to bring together entrepreneurs and investors. Regular meetings are held to highlight best practice models to businesses and entrepreneurs and to prepare them for presenting an investment proposal to potential investors. VAN works closely with services available through the Escalator Service, as outlined in Business Resources.

Right Food Right Market

New Zealand is a small market - for a business to stand out it has to do something radically different. Eat Right Foods does just that. Six years ago Rebecca Douglas-Clifford started producing a range of organic and allergy sensitive cakes and cookies when she saw how problematic it was for some people to find food that met their dietary requirements. Although Rebecca had some previous business experience she says she has always sought help when she’s needed it and this has lead to business growth.

“The Venture Accelerator Network has been a wonderful networking opportunity and has provided some great business ideas and assistance.”
Rebecca Douglas-Clifford

 

“Participation in VAN offers invaluable assistance for inventors and investors alike. In my observation, all too often inventors are fully focused on the detail of their invention and they do not appreciate the myriad of business issues that need to be managed in the ‘go to market’ process. The VAN programme helps participants identify and better understand such issues, and that means that when they start talking with potential investors they can be proactive in offering ideas about how the business can be managed for success which, after all, is what both parties are seeking.”
Ian Miller – MOVAC

I Grow New Zealand Limited

Mark Edwards
106 Collingwood Street
PO Box 1625, Nelson
Ph: + 64 3 546 7896
Fx: + 64 3 546 7897
Email: mark.edwards@igrow.co.nz
Web: I Grow New Zealand Limited

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