The Polaris Centre

LGA Presentation2 October 2014

Salisbury’s Economy

Strategic Context

Innovation Industry Development

Investment Intelligence

Connecting entrepreneurs and

innovators with world class technology,

research networks and local expertise

Growing local businesses,

strengthening priority industry

sectors and supporting emerging industries

Attracting new business investment,

supporting reinvestment by local firms and promoting investment in human

capital and knowledge creation

Digital training, smart cities, technology

transfer, future trends and opportunities

A PROSPEROUS, JOB CREATING ECONOMY

Integration Benefits

Services• Entrepreneurship

– Business Fundamentals– New Entrepreneurs

Program

• Business Growth– Mentoring & Coaching– Digital Enterprise– Business Advice– Manufacturing Liaison– Location support

Services• Innovation & Research

– University to business linkages

– Northern Business Research Partnerships

– New horizons seminars

• Networking– Major events– Business Women’s

Network– Northern Adelaide

Business Breakfasts

Customer Feedback

Funding Model

• Financial input from a range of partners

• Key issues:– Operational funding– Short term funding to

address long term issues– Compliance costs– Service continuity

Ten Key Learnings1. Regional approach brings scale2. Staff need a unique mindset and attitude3. Someone bears the risk4. It’s all about partnerships, but be flexible – the agenda of

others can change frequently5. Don’t lose sight of your strategy - it’s a long game, not a

short one6. Position for independence but integrate back into Council 7. The role of Elected Members as champions8. Separate branding is a benefit…and can be a curse9. No business should fail through lack of information10. Celebrate the wins