THE state government’s $950,000 Sirolli investment may see new business ventures created at Scottsdale and George Town, according to a hopeful program participant.
The Sirolli program is designed to rejuvenate the struggling towns of Scottsdale, George Town, Smithton and the Huon Valley.
Each region has formed a corporation, which received $198,000 from the government, with another $100,000 due to be paid by June 30.
In Scottsdale and George Town, the corporation Ripples North East has been formed with four directors, and a resource team of up to 50 locals has been created.
Team member Cherie Hosking said she hoped the program would invigorate the North-East.
‘‘I heard the stories about other towns (including Esperance in Western Australia) that had virtually become ghost towns being turned into thriving communities with Sirolli’s program,’’ Ms Hosking said.
‘‘It is very, very inspiring and the method is great. We have some fantastic people and some fantastic facilities . . . there could be a lot of new business ventures created.’’
Ripples North East enterprise facilitator Victoria Pullen has been
employed by the corporation under an 18-month contract.
Ms Pullen will act as a go between for the resource team and businesses and individuals needing help from the community to expand or develop a business venture.
‘‘The aim is to create community networks and provide support to business,’’ she said.
‘‘It gives the community a sense of ownership, so they have a lot of control, and it empowers them to get involved in the future of what is happening.
‘‘The resource team is there to support the people with business
ideas.
‘‘Someone may come to me with a business idea but won’t know how to implement it, so we go to the community resource team and say ‘this is the support that is needed, how can we help?’’’
She said she has met up to 10 businesses since her role began in January