Just thinking you have a great product or service is not enough when it comes to setting up your own business, according to the experts at the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast.

According to Innovation Centre entrepreneur-in-residence Nigel Hall ensuring you have a potential market might seem obvious but for many business founders failing to research this aspect of their business results in early failure.

Nigel will be one of five experienced and successful Sunshine Coast entrepreneurs presenting at the Innovation Centre’s one day intensive Start It Up! program for people wanting to launch their own business.

“Researching your product and potential customers is a vital step in business planning,” Nigel said.

Nigel said once business founders had identified and matched their personal goals with specific business
ones, it was important for them to ensure they would be fulfilling a market need.

“It’s all very well to have a great idea and think you know what people want but you need to do some
research to ensure what you think about your target demographic is right.
“Without a clear idea of who your potential clients are and their habits you could completely miss their needs.

“Having the support of family and friends is great but business people really need to get some good honest
and unbiased feedback and some hard facts about who their target demographic is,” he said.

“To do this you need to identify what benefits your potential clients receive from using your product or service
and use that to create an appealing pitch around the product and value proposition you can market. Most
people do no buy on technical features, they buy on utility. Its this message of utility you need to find within
your product description to attract clients.”

The one-day program will also include presentations by Sixty Second Parent CEO and founder of the internationally successful automated software development company Typefi Systems, Steve Huff, Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham and founder and author of the ENACT suite of business programs, Trevor Holmes.  There will also be an Open Forum with Steve Huff, Trevor Holmes and pioneer of the start-up Proscribe Medical Communications Dr Karen Woolley.

The intensive and practical one-day Start It Up! Program, on Friday 5 June, will cost $295+GST per participant.  In addition to the one-day program, the cost includes a complimentary 1-hour Start It Up! Consultation with Innovation Centre entrepreneur-in-residence Nigel Hall (valued at $250), a complimentary initial consultation with either Hemming + Hart or Redchip Lawyers to assist you in setting up your business legals (valued at $200) and a 20-page Start It Up! Booklet – 10 Action Steps to Realising Your Entrepreneurial Ambitions (Valued at $49.00).

Numbers are limited so to book or for more information call 07 5450 2600 or visit www.innovation-centre.com.au.

While it was a wet weekend, there was strong support from Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival organisers USM Events, competitors and the crowd for the nominated charity Bloomhill Cancer Help.

In addition to the fantastic race events throughout the weekend of events from 27 to 29 March, there were several fundraisers for Bloomhill, with competitors also encouraged to donate to the worthy Sunshine Coast charity.
The Sunshine Coast organisation that assists people living with cancer, is very grateful to USM Events for supporting the work they do which includes offering practical as well as emotional support for people with cancer and their loved ones, including counselling, support groups, complementary therapies and transport.
Bloomhill, which relies on the generosity of the public and funds generated by its seven Op Shops, offers a “safe haven” for people with cancer and their families.  We focus on survival and quality of life and walk with our clients from the day of diagnosis, through treatment and on to the survival stage or for some the final stage of grief and loss.
“The public has shown amazing support for us over the 11 years since Bloomhill was created which has helped us to build an organisation that supports and assists over 700 clients,” Bloomhill Committee Member and Triathlon competitor, Brett Graham said.

“And it was great to see that support extend to the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival,” he said.

Brett said not only were Bloomhill volunteers collecting donations and selling raffle tickets throughout the weekend, people also supported the organisation at the Bloomhill Brekky BBQ at The Courier-Mail Superkidz event.

“Bloomhill is able to provide services because of the generosity of the public so we would like to thank USM Events for their strong support and for the opportunity to raise funds and awareness at the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival,” he said.

He said everyone at Bloomhill was very excited about the thousands raised and were looking to being presented with the funds on Tuesday.

Coolum author, Pam Hardgrave, who admits she is well into her 70s, is on a roll having just released her second book in less than a year.

Pam said she believed you were never too old to learn or to fulfil a dream.

“I have always been interested in writing but publishing a book was a dream – one I am very proud to have now fulfilled twice so far,” she said.

“When I retired to the Sunshine Coast a friend inspired me to venture into a new world, when she said ‘Are you going to die here?’, (no doubt meaning: are we going to shift again in a few years) but I realised I needed a new interest to stay young in heart, so I enrolled at University of the Sunshine Coast.  I became so involved I completed a BA Communication and went on to gain an Honours degree in Creative Writing under the guidance of Gary Crew,” Pam said.

Her new crime novel, What Lies Within, is suitable for young adult and adult readers who relish a mystery and the drama of emotions that a murder provokes.

Of the book, Sunshine Coast Daily columnist and author himself, Peter Richardson said – “Don’t give this book to your teenager.  Read it first, and then leave it in the loo.  That way, he or she is more likely to pick it up and read it from cover to cover in one sitting.”

The novel is Pam’s second major publication.  She completed her novella, Seesaw, which was released last year, as part of her Honours degree at University of the Sunshine Coast.

Pam is active with writers and writing events as president of the Sunshine Coast Literary Assn Inc. and founder of the Coolum Wave Writers group.

“I intend to keep learning from others and having fun playing with words for the rest of my life,” she said.

What Lies Within hits the reader in the opening lines when Kristy, a young teen, and her boyfriend, Ryan, stumble on a body in a nature reserve.  That’s when the nightmare begins.  A crime scene.  A community in shock.  Who can be trusted?  Kristy determines to find the killer.  But she can’t look into people’s minds to see what lies within.  Is she in danger too?

Find out more order your copy today by email: pamh@ozemail.com.au, phone 54 716 739. RRP $25

Pam will also be the special guest at a “Meet the Author” event at the Noosa Library on Tuesday 26 May, at 10am.  Attendance is free but booking essential.  To do so call 07 5442 4411.

With just over a week left before the Bloomhill ‘Angels and Demons’ Movie Night funraiser on Wednesday 13 May, the event looks like it will be a sell out.

Tickets are selling fast for the event so if you don’t want to miss out book soon.

Guests attending the exclusive premiere screening of ‘Angels and Demons’ at an evening fundraiser for local charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help on May 13, will be among the first in the world to see the film before its highly anticipated global release on May 14.

‘Through the generous cooperation of the Maroochydore Birch Caroll and Coyle cinemas and Sony Pictures, we have been granted the exclusive rights to screen “Angels and Demons” before its global release which means our guests will see the film even before the stars hit the red carpet at some of the premiere events,’ says event organiser and University of the Sunshine Coast PR student, Chloe Sollom.

‘Angels and Demons’ which is based on the adaptation of Dan Brown’s best selling novel, is expected to ride on the success of its prequel, the internationally acclaimed, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ which went on record as the second biggest film debut for the opening weekend at the global box-office with an estimated $US224 million in earnings following its 2006 release.

The premiere event will begin in the function room of Sunshine Plaza’s Pig’N’Whistle pub from 5pm, where guests will be served a welcome drink and a selection of finger foods before being ushered to the premiere screening of ‘Angels and Demons’.

Not only that, guests will be in the running to win great lucky door prizes, some of which will include a facial from Linda’s Beauty on Buderim, Birch Caroll and Coyle movie vouchers, goodies from San Churro Chocolateria and a selection of wines from the Buderim Tavern. There will also be fabulous raffle prizes including five $100 gift vouchers from Joanne Mercer shoes and a selection of Yves Saint Laurent beauty products.

‘I feel really fortunate to be involved in planning such a great event,’ says Miss Sollom. ‘It provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a glass of wine and a good film with friends while making a contribution to a worthy cause.’

Chloe Sollom, along with three other 21-year-old USC students, Eugiena Pratley, Jacinta Krause and James Caffery started planning the event as part of a ‘Production Workshop’ offered by the university, which gives public relations students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-life, practical environment.

‘The Production Workshops give USC students a competitive edge that better prepares them for the workforce. Previous USC PR students have been offered great jobs in the industry largely because of their Production Workshop and Internship experience,’ said USC lecturer, Dr Amalia Matheson.

All funds raised from the event will go directly to Bloomhill Cancer Help so they can continue to provide their many invaluable care and support services to people with cancer, their carers and family members.

Tickets to the event cost $30 and include a complementary drink on arrival, finger food, entry into the movie screening and entry into the lucky door prize.
To buy tickets to the event, post your name, guest names, address, phone number, e-mail address and a cheque or money order to Bloomhill Movie Premiere, PO BOX 5477, Maroochydore BC 4558, or simply drop into the Bloomhill centre at 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim. For any enquiries, please contact Chloe on 5445 4389.

Enjoying the fine food of Lyn’s Place restaurant at Minyama will take on extra meaning on 22 May, when Lyn holds a special fundraising dinner for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

Lyn Howard, owner of the two-year-old restaurant, has a special place in her heart for the Sunshine Coast based charity that raises much-needed funds for those living with cancer.

“My husband died of cancer 28 years ago and there wasn’t any kind of organisations like Bloomhill around,” Lyn said. “What they offer is unique and really important for people going through this traumatic time.”

The Fundraising Dinner at 66 Jessica Boulevard will provide guests with pre-dinner canapés, a three-course meal and wine for $95 per person.

The menu will include Pan fried plump Scallops on crushed peas topped with candied pancetta, Confit Lamb served on soft herb polenta with oven roasted seasonal stone fruit, and Assiette of Chocolate and Hazelnut for dessert.

“We call our menu ‘global eclectic’ representing our experiences of flavours experienced throughout our combined worldly travels”.  Bloomhill Cancer Help is run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and provides assistance to any person going through cancer by offering; counselling, massage, a buddy system, respite care and many other services.

Lyn said that she was a long time supporter of Bloomhill and she was thrilled to be able to give something back to the organisation that provides vital assistance to many families affected by cancer and their families.

Tables of six or eight inside and outside dining will be available and there will be auctions and prizes drawn throughout the night, beginning at 7pm.

For more details, please check the website – www.bloomhill.com.au or to book your ticket please phone Lyn’s Place on 5477 5420.

Everyone has a fire burning inside them, a passion or dream they want to achieve, so for those whose passions are entrepreneurial, the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast has created the perfect one-day intensive program from which they can launch their business.

Presented by some of the region’s most successful self-made entrepreneurs, Start It Up! on Friday 5 June, will give budding entrepreneurs all the information they need to take that next big step and start transforming their ideas into reality.

Innovation Centre entrepreneur-in-residence Nigel Hall said there were a lot of pitfalls when starting a business, most of which were avoidable if people had access to advice and support from people with experience.

The Start It Up! program will begin with a session with Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham to help participants clarify their personal and career goals, passions, skills, experience, knowledge and core competencies.

Mr Hall said often in start-up businesses one or two people did everything, even in areas where they had no experience or specialised skills.

“Entrepreneurs generally have extensive experience in their field but this doesn’t often include business planning expertise, and accessing this advice is critical for young innovative companies,” he said.

The Innovation Centre, a University of the Sunshine Coast company, is dedicated to the economic development of the Sunshine Coast region and specialises in assisting businesses in the information communication technology (ICT), clean technologies and creative industry sectors.

“With the economic crisis now predicted to continue beyond 2009, and job security becoming a real issue for people, many are considering putting their business ideas into action so our Start It Up! program would be perfect for them,” Mr Hall said.

The one-day program will also include presentations by Sixty Second Parent CEO and founder of the internationally successful automated software development company Typefi Systems, Steve Huff, Innovation Centre Entrepreneur-in-residence Nigel Hall and founder and author of the ENACT suite of business programs, Trevor Holmes.  There will also be an Open Forum with Steve Huff, Trevor Holmes and pioneer of the start-up Proscribe Medical Communications Dr Karen Woolley.

The intensive and practical one-day Start It Up! Program, on Friday 5 June, will cost $295+GST per participant.  In addition to the one-day program, the cost includes a complimentary 1-hour Start It Up! Consultation with Innovation Centre entrepreneur-in-residence Nigel Hall (valued at $250), a complimentary initial consultation with either Hemming + Hart or Redchip Lawyers to assist you in setting up your business legals (valued at $200) and a 20-page Start It Up! Booklet – 10 Action Steps to Realising Your Entrepreneurial Ambitions (Valued at $49.00).

Numbers are limited so to book or for more information call 07 5450 2600 or visit www.innovation-centre.com.au.

The Australian Association of Angel Investors (AAAI) today joined with the national angel associations of USA, China, UK and others as foundation members of the World Business Angels Association (WBAA).

At a meeting in Dubai this week, Mr John Mactaggart, Chairman of AAAI, joined his colleagues, the leaders of:
– ACA, Angel Capital Association, USA
– BBAA, British Business Angels Association, UK
– CBAR, Center for Business Angel Research, China
– IAN, Indian Angel Network, India
– ESBAN, Red Espanola de Business Angels, Spain
– Southern Angels, Chile
– IBAN, Italian Business Angels Association, Italy
– ABAN, Arab Business Angels Network, United Arab Emirates
– France Angels, France
as charter members of the World Business Angel Association.

The Portuguese National Federation of Business Angel Groups (FNABA) and the European Trade Association for Business Angels and Early Stage Investors (EBAN) are honorary members.

Mr Mactaggart said “WBAA, as a platform for exchange of information and development of the angel investor market around the world, will provide an entry point for investors and entrepreneurs looking for angel groups worldwide. The WBAA will educate and inform policy makers and market intermediaries about angel investing”.

The WBAA is the culmination of significant effort and collaboration over the last few years among the leaders of federations of angel groups from five continents. These national bodies are responding to significant international activity intended to address the common challenge of the funding gap for early stage businesses. The WBAA solution is a connected environment for all parties supporting this asset class across international borders.

Commenting on the motivation and timing for this new global initiative Mr. Mactaggart said, “Australia, through the AAAI, has a seat at the table as a founding charter member. The AAAI and its peers at the table believe that WBAA is a great response to the current international financial and economic crisis.

In Australia, as elsewhere, entrepreneurial businesses and innovation are seen as critical contributors to economic recovery and international competitiveness. These vital contributors are in danger of failure due to the challenges in accessing early-stage finance.

Angel investors, investing their own funds and time for the benefit of young companies, are one of the few classes of investor still able and willing to support innovation on a national and global scale.”

Mr. Mactaggart went on to say, “As with venture capital in the 20th century, in the 21st century it is important to raise the awareness of the Angel Capital asset class, it is important for governments to invest in this driver of recovery and it is important to recruit new angel investors to the market at a global level.”

The main ambition of the WBAA is to foster a favourable environment for the activity of angel investors at the international level. The key objectives of the Association are to
–    Promote the professionalization of the angel market through the fostering of angel groups and associations
–    Identification and spread of best practice at international level
–    Identification of global successes supported by angel investors
–    Supporting entrepreneurship worldwide
–    Improving knowledge about angel investor activities
–    Coordination of research produced on the angel market worldwide
–    Standardised terminology at international level regarding angel investing.

About AAAI:
The Australian Association of Angel Investors Ltd (AAAI) is the not for profit national professional association, incorporated in 2007 with a volunteer Board of Directors, representing Australian angel investor members to promote responsible, ethical angel investing, to foster the growth of angel groups, provide accessible education for angels, identify and disseminate best practice in angel investing and represent member interests in relationships with governments, investors from other asset classes and international peers.

The AAAI vision is to establish angel investing as a recognised, robust, sustainable asset class that continues to significantly contribute to the commercialisation of Australian innovation and thus to the economic prosperity of Australia. AAAIL strategy covers delivery of knowledge and continuing learning about angel investing; enriching the capabilities of members with information, services, events and networks; influencing the investment governance and commercialisation practiced in Australia; and promoting understanding of and respect for the role of angel investors.

Guests attending the exclusive premiere screening of ‘Angels and Demons’ at an evening fundraiser for local charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help on May 13, will be among the first in the world to see the film before its highly anticipated global release on May 14.

‘Through the generous cooperation of the Maroochydore Birch Caroll and Coyle cinemas and Sony Pictures, we have been granted the exclusive rights to screen “Angels and Demons” before its global release which means our guests will see the film even before the stars hit the red carpet at some of the premiere events,’ says event organiser and University of the Sunshine Coast PR student, Chloe Sollom.

‘Angels and Demons’ which is based on the adaptation of Dan Brown’s best selling novel, is expected to ride on the success of its prequel, the internationally acclaimed, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ which went on record as the second biggest film debut for the opening weekend at the global box-office with an estimated $US224 million in earnings following its 2006 release.

The premiere event will begin in the function room of Sunshine Plaza’s Pig’N’Whistle pub from 5pm, where guests will be served a welcome drink and a selection of finger foods before being ushered to the premiere screening of ‘Angels and Demons’.

Not only that, guests will be in the running to win great lucky door prizes, some of which will include a facial from Linda’s Beauty on Buderim, Birch Caroll and Coyle movie vouchers, goodies from San Churro Chocolateria and a selection of wines from the Buderim Tavern. There will also be fabulous raffle prizes including five $100 gift vouchers from Joanne Mercer shoes and a selection of Yves Saint Laurent beauty products.

‘I feel really fortunate to be involved in planning such a great event,’ says Miss Sollom. ‘It provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a glass of wine and a good film with friends while making a contribution to a worthy cause.’

Chloe Sollom, along with three other 21-year-old USC students, Eugiena Pratley, Jacinta Krause and James Caffery started planning the event as part of a ‘Production Workshop’ offered by the university, which gives public relations students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-life, practical environment.

‘The Production Workshops give USC students a competitive edge that better prepares them for the workforce. Previous USC PR students have been offered great jobs in the industry largely because of their Production Workshop and Internship experience,’ said USC lecturer, Dr Amalia Matheson.

All funds raised from the event will go directly to Bloomhill Cancer Help so they can continue to provide their many invaluable care and support services to people with cancer, their carers and family members.

Tickets to the event cost $30 and include a complementary drink on arrival, finger food, entry into the movie screening and entry into the lucky door prize.
To buy tickets to the event, post your name, guest names, address, phone number, e-mail address and a cheque or money order to Bloomhill Movie Premiere, PO BOX 5477, Maroochydore BC 4558, or simply drop into the Bloomhill centre at 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim. For any enquiries, please contact Chloe on 5445 4389.