Bank of useful ideas

“For every cracking Tassie idea that has been successfully brought to life, there are many more budding ideas out there that just need a little nudge in the right direction to get off the ground and that’s where the Bank of useful ideas comes in,” Bank of us CEO Paul Ranson said.

“And what better place for first ever Bank of useful ideas than the ‘City of Makers’?

“There’s a sense of optimism, hope and confidence across the Burnie community. We want to harness that enthusiasm and help Tasmanians bring their ideas to life, so they can build support vibrant, productive and self-sustaining communities in their own backyard.

“We believe that the best ideas are formed when thinking about the needs of a community, and we don’t presume to have the answers - which is why the Bank of useful ideas starts with an opportunities workshop to work out what the needs are, in this case, for the Burnie region.”

Mr Ranson said once the needs have been identified will there be a call out for ideas – it could be an idea for a new business, an initiative, or an event that fits the bill. A Bank of useful ideas panel will then choose the best idea or ideas and provide real and practical help, which could be financial support of up to $60,000 cash, a unique loan arrangement, mentoring, or networking.

“This is so much more than a community grant or sponsorship. We’re doing something that requires us to be involved, exert some energy, provide resources and even take on some risk – risk that we think is well worth taking. The result, we hope, will be something real, sustainable and worthwhile,” Mr Ranson said.

The Bank of useful ideas opportunity workshop will be held in Burnie on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September.

To be a part of the Burnie Bank of useful ideas, register your interest to attend the opportunity workshop.