Northland to benefit from Massey University's ecentre winning Callaghan Innovation service contract

The Orchard Business and Event Hub in Whangarei where much of the support services will be delivered from in Northland. Photo / Supplied

Massey University's ecentre is working with Northland Inc to deliver support services to tech start-ups in the region.

The Auckland-based ecentre has won a Callaghan Innovation service expansion contract which will see it work from this month with Northland's regional economic development agency.

Northland Inc's Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) workstream will have a dedicated resource to deliver the programme from The Orchard for Northland, said Northland Inc chief executive David Wilson.

The ecentre will support the Northland Inc team with programmes and workshops complemented by one-on-one activity.

Access to the programme will be "on demand" for start-up entrepreneurs who show the aspiration and dedication to move their enterprises forward.

Incubation support for start-ups allows a company to focus on their objectives and address issues and challenges to take their great idea to a fully-fledged, viable business entity.

Mr Wilson said the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in the region, and that successful outcomes for businesses are more likely when support is offered from the very start.

"We are really pleased to be able to offer incubation services to Northland firms for the first time, in partnership with the ecentre at Massey University.

"This will round out our business support services and help strengthen the ecosystem supporting Northland firms to grow; in particular, those fledgling companies ready to move to the next stage," he said.

Ecentre chief executive Jackie Young said winning the Callaghan Innovation contract shows its programmes deliver results.

"Now, in association with Northland Inc, we will help more businesses validate and develop their business ideas, build their customer base, get investment ready and go global, more quickly."

Since 2001, the ecentre business incubator and accelerator has been building the capabilities of new business owners by providing cutting edge programmes, on-site professionals, experienced mentors and investors to New Zealand's innovation ecosystem.

Ecentre is one of six founder incubator or accelerator hubs to win a contract from Callaghan, a government agency supporting hi-tech businesses, following a tender process.