A idea for providing tech support for the elderly won the inaugural COIN South Start It course at a “popcorn pitch” event in Invercargill on March 31.

More than 12 first-time business and idea pitchers received an enthusiastic response from the judges, their fellow graduates of the COIN South Start It course and people from the business community.

Danielle Jack’s idea of tech support for the elderly received one of three Judge’s Pick Awards. 

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“If it wasn’t for the course, we wouldn’t have anything to be launching soon,” Jack said.  

The judges included Derek Manson (Advanced Manufacturing Manager of FI Innovations), Miriam McKenzie (founder of Say It Clearly) and Louise Evans (Chief Activator of COIN South). 

Allison Beckham and Hunter Kingsford-Smith also won Judge’s Pick Awards.

The Best Ask award recipient, Camelle Pink, pitched a Sip and Dance idea. 

As a dance teacher, the idea came from a lack of culture activities available in Invercargill for young professionals, those that can’t travel with their normal small groups due to Covid and anyone wanting to get out of their comfort zone. 

Kim Spencer-McDonald launched her repurposed jewellery business, Just Like You Aotearoa, after lockdown 2020. The jewellery was worn by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on TV and drew the attention of the TV3 show, The Project. 

Spencer-McDonald said the course was a good opportunity to refocus her business and learn more about the next stages of growth.  

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Community manager for COIN South and Start It course facilitator Fran Hesp said she was proud of all of the participants for completing the course and pitching their ideas or business. 

“Even though they were nervous, they felt the fear and did it anyway.  We’ve seen huge growth and momentum from where they were at the start of the course and where they are now. Websites are being relaunched, businesses and pop events are almost ready to launch, it’s all very exciting and we can’t wait to see where they’ll head to next,” she said.  

Applications for the next Start It course open 3 May. More information is available HERE.