Smart Hub accelerates a smart future for Rockhampton
Published on 16 May 2018
Since launching in 2016, Council’s Smart Hub membership has increased 1000 per cent, going from just three start-ups operating in a temporary location to now having 30 in a state-of-the-art, purpose designed, co-working space at Rockhampton’s iconic Customs House.
More than 40 jobs have been created as a result and the membership base continues to grow as Council ramps up its plans to further grow the start-up culture through a two year operational plan adopted by Council this week.
Smart Hub Business Manager Elize Hattin said the plan sets out the next steps for the Hub to become a world-class destination where young start-ups and entrepreneurs thrive.
“In the first 24 months of opening the Smart Hub we have delivered a number of extremely successful programs, hosted a long list of influential speakers including Steve Baxter and Mark Sowerby, and we have seen many of our start-ups create jobs or sell their product to the international market,” Mrs Hattin said.
“The Smart Hub’s success to date is a testament to Council’s investment in delivering the foundations and the State Government’s support towards funding mentor programs essential for start-ups to develop their business.
“During this time, the Smart Hub has received global recognition, a national award for excellence and was announced as one of Queensland’s preferred locations for interstate and international start-ups to relocate to.
“Our priority for the next two years is to further introduce an ambitious range of events, activities and programs, and importantly, increase the Smart Hub membership. And if we can execute this plan at a high standard we can become a place where start-ups really thrive.”
After recently touring co-working spaces in the United States including Boulder and Silicon Valley, Mrs Hattin said Rockhampton’s Smart Hub rivals those found in capital cities.
“Our Smart Hub provides fantastic conditions, services and the flexibility for people growing their business at an extremely affordable price,” Mrs Hattin said.
“The whole idea is to give as much value as we can to invite people to be part of this community. Our Smart Hub offers four different levels of membership from casual drop-ins at $15 per day, Hot Desks at $30/week, permanent desks for $40/week, and one or two person offices for $50/week.
“Council is committed to supporting entrepreneurial ventures that support economic growth right here in our own city and we want to help more of our businesses to start thinking globally instead of locally, which is where our Smart Hub and programs can help shape the future of your business.”
To find out more information on the Rockhampton Smart Hub and how to become a member click here.