Grow Wellington in New Zealand is a regional economic development agency tasked with the delivery of the economic aspects of the Wellington Regional Strategy. 
The Wellington Regional Strategy is a sustainable growth strategy developed by greater Wellington's nine local authorities in conjunction with central government and the region's businesses, education, research, and voluntary sector interests.
Among their priority sectors are industries recognized for their innovation and world-changing potential:
- Biotechnology
- Clean Technology
- Education
- Film
- Food and Beverage
- Manufacturing
- Primary Industry
- Screen and Digital
Grow Wellington hopes to make the greater Wellington region internationally competitive.
To accomplish this, Grow Wellington offers support for businesses — including training and mentoring, investment help, and internship opportunities.
Training and Mentoring
An integral part of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Wellington region is nurturing great commercial ideas and the mind-set for being in business.
Grow Wellington's Activate program for entrepreneurs hopes to do just that.
A collective learning experience with between eight and ten participants, Grow Wellington admits smart, motivated people with a business idea and pushes them to the limit. Over a three-month period, participants will be challenged to test their ideas, have the opportunity to develop new personal networks, and learn the foundations for success in business.
Another program, developed by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, supports the improved business capability of business owners and/or managers.
Capability Development Voucher Scheme accesses registered management capability building services such as training workshops, courses, and business coaching.
Investment
Knowing where capital for growth can be sourced, Grow Wellington is the Regional Business Partner for the TechNZ, the Ministry of Science and Innovation's (MSI) business investment program.
TechNZ is focused on growing world-class New Zealand companies through innovative technology. MSI is looking to invest $40 million in 2010-2011, generally at a rate of 50%, across a range of companies — from early-stage to mature companies and in four priority sectors: ICT, Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, and Biotechnology.
Investments outside of these areas are on a discretionary basis.
Another investment program of Grow Wellington is Angel HQ, the Wellington region’s angel investment network. Angel HQ connects high net worth investors with the most exciting and dynamic of their early stage companies to achieve their goals, while generating a healthy return for investors.
Internships
Part of Grow Wellington's vision is a commitment to internship programs, of which they have two: Summer of Tech and Optimising Manufacturing.
Summer of Tech is a nonprofit internship program connecting intelligent students with Wellington technology companies. Undergraduates are matched with companies in need of skills in the areas of software code, engineering, design ,and business analysis. Once matched, the students work for the companies for the duration of their summer break.
The Optimising Manufacturing program is a ground-breaking management development scheme developed by Grow Wellington. The program is aimed at boosting the capability of the Wellington region’s manufacturing sector.
Optimising Manufacturing helps place university graduates into manufacturing companies where they gain industry experience, while the manufacturing companies gain a fresh set of eyes, an increase in innovative thinking and ultimately, and typically an increase in profits.
Graduates enter an 18-month work placement at selected Wellington manufacturers. At the end of the program, trainees will have the opportunity for permanent employment, firstly by the businesses they’ve been placed with and then on the open market.
Until Next Time,
Angela Guss
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