‘Business one-stop shop’ marks opening

The Southland business community gathered this week to celebrate the official opening of its new home in Invercargill.

The Southland Business Chamber and Coin South came together to set up a business and innovation hub at the former SIT Downtown in Don St.

Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said the idea was to create a space for businesses in Southland to thrive — from an idea to inception.

"So if you’ve got a start-up or just an idea for a business, you can come here and the Coin team will talk you through it.

"Once you’re established as a business, the chamber will be able to help you with support," she said.

There were also co-work spaces, meeting rooms and clinics from Great South and Invest South which could help the community with things such as investment and government funding.

"It is a business one-stop shop right in the heart of the city."

The event on Wednesday showcased the variety of businesses across the region — from breweries to local producers and even pole dance performers pouring drinks for the guests.

Ms Carey said they wanted to have a place in the city centre as the chamber board wanted to support the redevelopment of the area.

"Not only does Invercargill have a heart of a city it now also has a brain."

luisa.girao@odt.co.nz