A MOUNT Gambier based collaborative business workspace is changing the lives of entrepreneurs in the region with a range of great opportunities on offer.
South East entrepreneur Geoff Dening is among the first in the region accepted into the newly launched eNVIsion Incubator Program.
The Robe resident’s business – Goingtoplaces.com – is among 20 start-up businesses to secure a place with the program which will help him to become globally competitive.
After setting up and developing a successful bed and breakfast business in 2012 – Mr Dening developed and published the Robe SA app.
Since then his project has continued to grow, including the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley and Limestone Coast app, all published to iTunes and Google stores.
“In the last three years it became especially noticeable that my guests were no longer using any of the brochures and information magazines supplied,” Mr Dening said.
“They wanted something that was accessible, regularly updated and location specific and hospitable.
“This sparked the idea to use current technology to develop a resource of information that was convenient and accessible anywhere.”
Mr Dening’s project is now registered with the SA Tourism Commission Media Gallery to use the best images and media for promoting South Australia and with assistance through the eNVIsion Incubator could soon become known worldwide.
“Working at eNVIsion connects your business to a global network and a wealth of expertise that can help you to achieve your goals,” he said.
“Blending a vibrant, collaborative work space with award winning start-up and innovation programs, eNVIsion helps new ventures to be globally competitive, enabling a regional business to access the tools, resources and expertise to scale and reach international markets much faster.”
Since being accepted into the program Mr Dening has participated in the invitational “TechChat” at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Seminar.
Through connections with the national and international industry, Mr Dening said he has had access to a variety of productivity, marketing and technical fields to help him on his journey.
“The incubator is a sharing environment and I will look forward to getting the experiences from other innovators in developing similar ideas to improve efficiency in our operation,” he said.
“Aside from the supply of information the incubator proves a multifaceted base of resources including high speed internet, mentorship from other innovators and entrepreneurs and access to technological equipment such as 3D-printing, medical device research and robotics.”
While the travel app is his major focus, Mr Dening said it is an exciting time for like-minded innovators in the region with plenty of opportunities for growth.
“The goal for the entire Goingtoplace.com projects will be an Australian focused employer, we will not be sourcing cheap underpaid, overseas labour,” he said.
“Goingtoplace.com is a business created from Australia, contributing to the nations growth and developing our creativity and leadership in the areas of productivity, science and good living.”
