Northland’sBusiness
IdeasCompetition
A massive congratulations to all winners in The Pick:2017. View the winners
About
Welcome
The Pick:2017 was designed to be a business ideas challenge for the local, everyday people of Northland.
It wasn't about inventing the next Facebook or Xero, we just wanted to know what simple business ideas Northlanders had.
Any idea could've taken out this comp, find out which ones did →
Why?
Northland is full of great ideas.
The sole purpose of The Pick:2017 was to increase the number of businesses in Northland and to promote what a great place Northland is to be entrepreneurial. We want more people challenging their 9-5 norm and doing what they are passionate about.
Northlands Economic Development Agency, Northland Inc and Northlands newest business and events hub, The Orchard have tools and resources available to springboard dedicated, local entrepreneurs from idea to application.
Here’s how the competition worked...
Detail
Ideas fitted into 1 of 5 categories:
Rural
Health & Well-being
Food & Beverage
Tourism
General
And entrants themselves fitted into 1 of 3 sections:
Youth (under 25)
Māori
Open
Timeline
Stage one Launch
Entries Close
Stage One top 20 winners announced
Stage two Launch
Throughout stage two there will be various workshops to build your concept.
Stage Two judging day
Stage Two Winners announced.
View the full list of winners →
Prizes
Stage 1 – 20 winners
$5k worth of support and professional services to help take the business from idea to concept. Including:
- Mentorship
- Orchard hot desking time
- Professional skills support
- Industry connections
- Support to develop business plan
- Start-up workshops
Stage 2 prize – 1 winner from each category
$30k worth of support and professional services to help take the business from concept to action. Including:
- An assigned business mentor for 1 year
- Permanent desk in The Orchard
- Professional skills package
- Industry connections
- Support to gain investment
Judging Criteria
Stage one: All of the ideas were judged by our sponsors and the top 20 ideas moved onto stage two.
Stage two: The top 20 ideas pitched to the following judges on 29 November from which 5 supreme winners were selected.
| Judging | Stage 1 weighting | Stage 2 weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity of idea Does it make sense and are you passionate about it? |
50% | 5% |
| Uniqueness What sets this apart? Why are you the best person to run it? |
20% | 5% |
| Actionable What’s it going to take to launch off? |
10% | 20% |
| Marketability Will people buy it? |
10% | 35% |
| Viability How successful will it be? ROI? |
10% | 35% |
| 100% | 100% |
Winners & Finalists
After four long and intensive months of validating and refining their business ideas, our finalists of The Pick:2017, Northland's business ideas competition submitted their portfolios and pitched to the panel of judges.
We are proud to present the five SUPREME AWARD winners as well as the recipients of the Top Innovation, Commitment, Youth and Judges Choice Awards.
View the full list of winners and finalists here →
Resources
Resources for people to learn more about starting up a business:
NorthlandNZ Start-up Resource Hub The Pick 2017 Poster
Contact
Please use the contact form for queries or support. Or email us at info@thepick.co.nz
Sponsors & Prizegivers
So what is this ‘Orchard’ thing?
The Orchard is a collaborative business and event hub for the growing community of entrepreneurs, start-ups and already established business professionals in Northland.
It’s a co-working space offering meeting rooms and an events space for hire as well as hot desks for just $6 per hour casually or a permanent desk for $150 per week.
At the Orchard you’ll find the facilities of a premium office fit-out, a creative environment and a thriving community of like minds.
The Orchard is an initiative of Northland Inc, Northlands Economic Development Agency, and is supported by the Northland Chamber of Commerce. It was designed to provide for our business community, direct access to expert business advice, tools and professional support networks all under the one roof.
Find out more about The Orchard »
Contact hello@theorchard.co.nz or 4385110 to make a room booking or enquire about your own desk.
