Rocky entrepreneur says sign up for Smart Hub
Published on 20 April 2018
A local Rockhampton resident is encouraging others in the Region to take advantage of the fantastic facilities available at Rockhampton Regional Council’s Smart Hub.
David Guinane is the founder of Umanity, an online platform that allows individuals and organisations to keep track of good deeds and positive contributions.
“These records can then be used to celebrate achievements, increase motivation, and ultimately show that all the little things we do as individuals can have a significant impact on society when they are put together”, David said.
“Since joining the Smart Hub, I have found the difference between trying to develop my idea and business at home versus the Smart Hub is dramatic.
“Working from home can be a really difficult combination of lots of distractions but also spending too much time alone.
“In contrast, the Smart Hub is a focused environment with everything you need on hand – I get so much more done there than I ever do at home.
“The Smart Hub is not just about sharing space but about sharing skills and support. My business is quite technical, so I can help people with that aspect of their project, but I openly admit my marketing skills and legal knowledge aren’t exactly sector leading. When I am at the Smart Hub I can access those skills not only from other members but also from the great events and guest speakers the team organise.
“For anyone thinking of whether or not to get involved, I say go for it: it’s affordable, friendly, informative, supportive, and in such a great location on the new Riverside Precinct. What do you have to lose?”
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said she was delighted to hear that the Smart Hub was making a real difference.
“Council absolutely recognises that the start-ups of today are the major employers of the future. That is why we have invested $440,000 - alongside the State Government’s $250,000 from their Building Our Regions program - to refurbish Customs House and create the Smart Hub’s new home.
“Our message is this. If you have a fantastic idea or a business you want to grow, you don’t need to head to Brisbane or Sydney or Melbourne to make it happen: come to the Smart Hub and build your success right here in Rockhampton.”
ENDS
Find out more about Umanity here.
To get in touch with the Smart Hub and find out more, call 4932 9000 or email smarthub@rrc.qld.gov.au.
There are upcoming events on Tuesday April 24 (3am founders) and Thursday 26 April (Lunch and Learn with Fox Law on how to structure your business) with limited places remaining. For more details and to find out how to register visit the Smart Hub facebook page.
What is the Smart Hub?
As part of the Smart Way Forward Strategy, RRC established the co-working facility Smart Hub in May 2016.
The Smart Hub is a co-working facility specifically geared at helping start-ups in our region to maximise early-stage business success.
What does it offer?
- affordable workspace
- collaboration and learning opportunities with others in the same situation
- internet connectivity
- opportunities for mentoring
- tele-working
- opportunities for developing capability statements and robust business cases.