BNZ gets behind EPIC business innovation hub in Christchurch
(26 November 2012 – New Zealand) High growth technology companies have returned to the Christchurch CBD in a bold Silicon Valley-style business hub located at the edge of the earthquake-damaged Red Zone.
Designed to stimulate growth of tech SMEs in central Christchurch, the Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Centre (EPIC) business innovation hub was opened by Minister for Economic Development and Science and Innovation, Hon Steven Joyce.
EPIC owes its existence to structuring and funding packages from BNZ, NZTE and MSI and the ingenuity and drive of two Christchurch entrepreneurs; Wil McLellan and Colin Anderson.
The land was donated by the Christchurch City Council and the project was underwritten by the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust.
BNZ Director-Retail Andy Symons said EPIC will change the game for businesses in Christchurch and reinforce the city’s reputation as a technological hub.
"To see this dream become reality is nothing short of a phenomenal achievement. It is great news for Christchurch businesses- especially the tech community - which can now reconnect and work together in new and exciting ways, advancing innovation and learning from each other.
"Every single thing about this project is innovative, from its conception and funding, to the way that sponsors and supporters came together, and the building’s construction. And this is why EPIC is a natural project for BNZ to be involved in – this is how we do business."
BNZ funded a significant portion of the upfront development costs with a bespoke commercial funding arrangement whereby the majority of the project costs will be progressively paid back through rentals and grants once it’s up and running.
EPIC is the latest in a long list of initiatives from BNZ designed to aid the growth of business in New Zealand.
These include the bank’s 33-strong national network of Partners Business Centres, the Small Business Hub offering seven-days-a-week access for small business owners, and monthly Connect events which provide much needed networking and support to owner-operators nationwide.
EPIC owes its existence to structuring and funding packages from BNZ, NZTE and MSI and the ingenuity and drive of two Christchurch entrepreneurs; Wil McLellan and Colin Anderson.
The land was donated by the Christchurch City Council and the project was underwritten by the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust.
BNZ Director-Retail Andy Symons said EPIC will change the game for businesses in Christchurch and reinforce the city’s reputation as a technological hub.
"To see this dream become reality is nothing short of a phenomenal achievement. It is great news for Christchurch businesses- especially the tech community - which can now reconnect and work together in new and exciting ways, advancing innovation and learning from each other.
"Every single thing about this project is innovative, from its conception and funding, to the way that sponsors and supporters came together, and the building’s construction. And this is why EPIC is a natural project for BNZ to be involved in – this is how we do business."
BNZ funded a significant portion of the upfront development costs with a bespoke commercial funding arrangement whereby the majority of the project costs will be progressively paid back through rentals and grants once it’s up and running.
EPIC is the latest in a long list of initiatives from BNZ designed to aid the growth of business in New Zealand.
These include the bank’s 33-strong national network of Partners Business Centres, the Small Business Hub offering seven-days-a-week access for small business owners, and monthly Connect events which provide much needed networking and support to owner-operators nationwide.
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