Inside Start Up with Jo Allum

Yes, you can. Do you have a business idea, or skills you want to put to work on something new, where you are key to making it happen?

Tauranga Startup Weekend is the event for you where, in 54-hours, idea's people, designers, developers and business people start-up businesses. It's like a condensed 'how to' business course.

You don't need to know everything going into it – no-one does – those taking part help fill your knowledge gaps (and you'll probably help someone with their gaps too!). You'll walk out a better business person.

Participants can bring ideas (or listen to ideas and pick one to work on), form teams and develop a product and business model. The weekend culminates with a pitch night and prizes for winning teams.

If you've been thinking about participating in a Startup Weekend, here are five reasons to do it:

1. Expand your network – Meet other passionate, like-minded people who are interested in getting the same things you are, a secure, sustainable, fun future.

2. Find role-models and mentors – This year's event has an amazing group of coaches and judges from Tauranga and all over NZ. What other event gives you the opportunity to rub elbows, spend serious time and talk with such a talented group? The connections you make here could lead to mentorship, sponsorship, career or company opportunities and guidance down the line.

3. Polish up your business skills – Find out the easy way what a business model actually is, how to make a strong pitch and more. It's a practical, hands-on learning approach.

4. Accomplish something – You've met people who talk about their great ideas, but never actually accomplish them, right? Well, you'll be amazed what you learn to accomplish in three days!

5. Experience starting up in a safe, supportive environment – Do you tell yourself, 'I can't do this?” Self-doubt, fear and ambiguity are barriers for all of us to take charge of our futures. This event is a safe place to try new things. You're surrounded by other people who are just as scared as you are, and because there's no judgement happening you'll learn stop asking yourself ‘Why?' and instead ask ‘Why not?'

Visit www.tauranga.startupweekend.org or come to a free information/inspiration event this Tuesday, September 23 at the Art Gallery on Wharf and Willow Street from 5pm and meet others taking part.