TBDC boosts support
BUSINESSES will receive free start- up and growth support, helping to create more jobs, under a new membership model being implemented by Townsville Business Development Centre.
The centre has elected a new chair, Offerman Partners principal Michael Brennan, assembled a new- look board and employed a new CEO, former CastleTown centre manager Ben Verning.
Mr Brennan said with the new team comes a renewed commitment to get back to what the TBDC does best – help businesses grow.
“Small businesses employ thousands of North Queenslanders and are vital to Townsville’s economic health,” Mr Brennan said.
“A lot of the time these small business owners are so busy working in their business they don’t have the time or sometimes the skills and knowledge to work on their business. That’s where the TBDC can step in and provide support for them to build skills, capacity and business resilience.”
TBDC is a not- for- profit organisation that has been operating in Townsville since 1995 with the assistance of major supporter Townsville City Council.
In the three years to June, the centre delivered over 1200 consultancy- based workshops for local businesses, stimulating business growth and generating over 1000 jobs.
Mr Verning said the new team would focus on generating this type of positive impact, while bringing with it a new membership structure and personalised approach.
“Ensuring your business model is resilient enough to withstand the first few years of business is key to longterm success. We see our role as ensuring that start- ups and existing small businesses are equipped with the tools they need to survive and that they have a place to turn to for information and support,” Mr Verning said.
“To help us deliver on this key objective, TBDC members will now have the opportunity to attend any of our business growth workshops free of charge where formerly they were charged a fee and we will be introducing individualised growth and transition plans for member and tenant businesses as well as an administrative support program.
“There are already more than 20 workshops scheduled before Christmas and these are open to all businesses but free to TBDC members. We understand that every local business we help to grow will in turn employ more Townsville locals and help generate economic prosperity for our wider community.”
To find out more about becoming a member, visit tbdc. com. au, contact the office on 4723 8491 or email admin@tbdc.com.au.