$60k of training grants available

Up to $60,000 of training is on offer for South Canterbury businesses, money they may not know exists.

Aoraki Development Business and Tourism (ADBT) is aiming to change this with the launch of its Primary Produce Innovation Cluster at DB Brewery at 5.30 tonight.

ADBT chief executive Wendy Smith said the cluster would allow the region’s primary producers to work together and share knowledge while also providing access to up to $60,000 of training opportunities.

‘‘There’s so much knowledge locally within individual companies and the cluster will provide the platform for businesses to share information and work collectively to deal with the barriers to growth, and provide guidance for new ventures. Targeted workshops and mentoring is an area that will be developed with the support of the businesses.’’

Riverstone Kitchen chef Bevan Smith will be guest speaker along with representatives from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Science and Innovation Ministry and the New Zealand Food Innovation Network.

Along with national funding pools, ADBT has access to $60,000 of capability development vouchers for businesses to use with approved training providers. Each business can receive up to $5000 through the Governments Regional Partner Programme, which ADBT administers for South Canterbury.