2021-10-12 P&E Agenda - Item 10 - Attachment 1 - Social Return on Investment Evaluation

Digital Hub members – anecdotal information (free text field)
Would you like to provide any additional information?



Digital Hub has been invaluable in helping with my learning and networking. Without Digital Hub I would not have survived Covid restrictions and changes.

4 Values of Noosa Hub:
1. Gives credibility and confidence to tech businesses that they can relocate - and not go backwards - still get the same industry access/support/events/VC
introductions as Sydney and Melbourne
2. Chris Boden - instrumental in that ecosystem - without him 1 would be very hard
3. Kids programs - godsend for parents with Techie kids and nowhere to go
4. Networking and Industry collaboration - similar to point 1, debunks the myth that if you move to Sunnie coast you are doing it for lifestyle and not serious
about business growth. This would be a major issue for others thinking of relocating. For example, Byron Bay now has some credibility with certain fintechs
successfully setting up shop there.

Not sure how relevant to the survey this comment is but it may be of some use. Many people who have or are moving to the region work online like I do. You
will now see them with their PC"s in coffee shops and this is a key point to a successful digital hub I think. All of the Co-work spaces on the coast are pretty
dreary, cold and quiet work spaces. That may suit some people, but a lot of others want a cafe style office space or option to toggle between a noisy cafe
style space to a desk for instance. People want that lifestyle. I believe a new type of Cafe Office will evolve very soon and COVID will be a major driver with
people moving to the regions. If someone out there had that already I'd be there probably 3 days a week no problem and happy to pay good dollars for it.
Tim

I moved to the area just before COVID but during the COVID thing it's been one of very few ways I've been able to increase my networking connections here in
the Noosa area. I feel like it gives a tangibility to the professional capability of the area. Nowhere else do I see groups connect like this. Every time I'm at an
event there I feel a great level of support and am reassured that doing business from a Noosa base is entirely feasible in the long term.

The Hub and the team Chris has built is one of the key places on the Coast that attracts founders, mentors and others due to the welcoming environment.
My interests are more general across SE Qld, Sydney and some O/seas. The Hub is one of the very few locations in the area that provides visitors and locals
with a feeling that they are truly here to help. We need more facilities like the Hub on the coast...more that can collaborate and work together across a few
core regions.

The events I have attended have been exceptionally well run, with excellent networking opportunities and presentations that are interesting and informative.
The digital hub is an important venue and gathering place, not only for those in the digital space, but also for those who want to strengthen their local
connections, build networks, and learn more about this sector, emerging trends and technology.


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