In Wellington there are a number of business support agencies and business incubators, which aim to fast-track entrepreneurial growth and support innovative ideas and research.
Grow Wellington
Grow Wellington is the regional economic development agency.
Grow Wellington works with local and regional businesses to promote and support their growth and development. Its services range from training for new entrepreneurs who have ideas with potential for high growth, to helping established companies develop capability, raise capital and develop new markets and products.
One of Grow Wellington’s key activities is working strategically with groups of ‘export driver’ businesses that have close trading relationships and related capabilities, with the goal of extending the range of world-class industries based in Wellington.
Clusters include creative and digital content businesses, creative manufacturing, earthquake engineering, e-business, education, film and television production, mobile internet, natural hazard risk management, optics and software.
Grow Wellington manages the Migrant and Expatriate Programme for the Wellington region and is actively involved in attracting skilled migrants to the region on behalf of employers.
Grow Wellington also helps to smooth the way for new migrants and expats moving to the region with information on everything from jobs and schools to housing and banking. If it’s unable to assist it will put you in touch with people who can.
Grow Wellington also markets the region as a location for film and television production, as a place to invest, and as a place to study for international students.
- Grow Wellington website
- Creative Manufacturing Cluster website
- Earthquake Engineering Cluster website
- Film Wellington website
Creative HQ
Creative HQ is Grow Wellington’s business incubator. It is aimed at new entrepreneurs and new businesses within the creative industries sector, including advertising, media, architecture, interactive software, music, publishing and design. It also operates Fashion HQ, which works with companies in the apparel sector.
Creative HQ is designed to help businesses with potential for high growth and development. Support includes access to professional advisory services, mentoring, investors, government assistance and funding, marketing and promotion, and office space.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has been in the business of encouraging regional development and representing the region's wealth creators since 1856.
Today, it has 1150 members, who range from major corporations to sole traders. The Chamber works to promote a broad pro-business policy platform and close personal networks and contacts among its members.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce website
T-UP (Technology Entrepreneur Centre)
Victoria University’s T-UP business incubator was established for graduates and others to go to develop business ventures based on their research or applications of their expertise.
T-UP focuses principally on advanced technology or material science ventures that have the potential to compete in the global marketplace. The incubator provides accommodation, professional and support services, access to funding and independently appointed advisers for each business.
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