Addressing the objectives within the Canterbury 4 Business Strategy to boost and diversify the local economy especially in the value added sector of knowledge based business's.

The business start-up rate for the Canterbury district is below the average for the South East and the majority of our graduates leave the district to take up employment or start business elsewhere.

Measures are needed to address these issues in line with the City Council's Corporate Strategy, Sustainable Community Strategy and Economic Development Strategy.

Young people leaving education need to be made aware of the opportunities and support available to them and to be introduced to the idea of starting their own businesses if they have not considered this option.

To organise a mini conference to create awareness amongst students of the opportunities and resources available to enable them to set up businesses or social enterprises in the district. The event will bring together local business people and employers who will share their stories through a series of workshops/presentations, and who will offer advice on starting a business in their own sector.

Graduates from the district who have successfully set up their own businesses will be invited as speakers.

There will also be a "Panel of Experts" Q&A session.

Business support organisations, banks etc., will also attend to demonstrate the services and support that they offer to start-ups.

The Local Economy team will provide information and advice on commercial property.

To retain recent graduates in the Canterbury District. To encourage them to start up/develop successful sustainable businesses within the district.

All further and higher education students and graduates.

The project will:

• Promote the start up of businesses and social enterprises
• Promote local resources and opportunities
• Bring together students and local business people
• Bring together students and support agencies
• Promote the district as a place to be in business