Astute investors looking for opportunities to see them through the current economic downturn need look no further than their own backyard, with a select group of regional entrepreneurs providing the ideal opportunity to invest locally.

Advance Cairns, with the support of the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry and local business people, is compiling a program where investors will have the opportunity to invest back into their local community. The program will be spearheaded by the ‘Business Readiness and Investment Network’ event, to be held on Tuesday, April 21 at the Shangri-La Hotel, which will give selected investors the opportunity to meet regional entrepreneurs and early-stage high growth businesses, with the view to possibly forming an alliance at a later date.

Three local innovative companies who are about to embark on their growth phase, will present at the event. They include: Ian Kikkert from Redi-Fruit, Wim van den Herik and Tanya Harris from Residential Standards Australia, and Tony Rocca from Rocca Manufacturing Pty Ltd. All three companies have undertaken a rigorous process of business preparedness, either through the Australian Government’s COMET program or through the Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth Program.

Advance Cairns CEO Ross Contarino said the Business Readiness and Investment Network event was the perfect opportunity for local investors to look beyond the ‘doom and gloom’ of the current economic downturn and take a positive approach to their long-term viability, while at the same time instilling confidence in the local community and the entrepreneurs by having the foresight to back their innovative business ideas.

“We are offering locals an alternative process for investment opportunities – one that will see local firms prosper and new innovative ideas hit the world market – but most importantly a process that could see the investors gain a healthy return on their equity contributions,” Mr Contarino said.

“I believe that people will be genuinely impressed at the standard of the presentations and amazed at the level of technology emanating from our region.”

The breakfast, featuring key-note speaker Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor James Cook University, is expected to generate significant interest. Final attendance is by invitation only, and interested investors should register their interest with Advance Cairns on 4080 2900.