About BEC
World wide experience has shown that new businesses started in the environment of a business enterprise centre or business incubator, enjoy a success rate as high as 85% after three years. This contrasts with the very high failure rate of businesses generally, which can be as high as 90% within the first three years.
The Bundaberg Enterprise Centre strives to meet the needs of new businesses. Our services, amenities and flexible terms provide a fertile environment for a wide range of new businesses.
The Bundaberg Enterprise Centre has two primary functions. Firstly, it is a Small Business Information Centre which is open to any person wanting to know about going into a business, or needing help and support with their existing business.
Secondly, BEC is also a Small Business Incubator. The Centre has 27 business units fully carpeted, air conditioned, blinds and furniture (if needed), ready to lease for new small business starting up & Home Based Business ready to expand and not-for-profit Associations.
Mission Statement
Bundaberg Enterprise Centre is a not-for-profit incorporation and promotes economic growth, sustainable development and creation of new employment opportunities in the Bundaberg Area by assisting development of new business proposals, nurturing these and existing businesses to success and by working collaboratively with other organisations contributing to these goals.
History
Bundaberg Enterprise Centre (BEC) was established in 1990 in an old warehouse on the banks of the Burnett River. The initial feasibility study (1989) was completed by the Bundaberg Tourism Board (now Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism Board), and both the Federal and State Governments contributed to the first and second stages of development.
After fourteen years in a renovated warehouse, Bundaberg BEC moved in July 2004 to newly refurbished premises on the corner of Quay and Tantitha Streets in the Bundaberg CBD. A grant from the Federal Government via the AusIndustry Incubator Program, allowed the BEC to modernise yet another old building into a highly professional and busy office environment.
Since its inception, BEC has assisted over five thousand ventures employing some7,500 people to become established and viable. This equates to 20 businesses a month and 31 jobs every month (on average) that are helped to start or mentored to success. These ventures are situated right across the Wide Bay region, and it is estimated that they contribute approximately $15 million to the regional economy each year.
BEC has strong community support with a volunteer Management Committee, and a register of voluntary Mentors all of whom provide expert assistance to BEC clients when they need that extra specialist help.
BEC currently houses 25 small business tenants that in turn employ over 60 people and generate some $10 million into the local economy every year.
The Small Business Mentor Service run under the auspices of the BEC, mentors over 100 businesses a year from the Bundaberg region right down to the Sunshine Coast. This service which is operated by volunteers, and saves the Queensland economy approximately $8 million a year (conservative estimate).
The Management Team
BEC has a volunteer Board of Directors that oversee the business policy and direction of goals, and make decisions that influence the overall management of BEC. Board members come from a range of successful Bundaberg businesses.
Centre Manager: Janey Webb
Administrator: Kristy Croft