The committee revealed last month that it intended to close the Digital Greenhouse and work with the private sector to replicate its services, alongside additional commercial support to help entrepreneurs succeed.
It has since been listening to interested parties about their plans for the service’s future, and says it is confident it will continue in some form. Engagement will continue throughout September, before a formal bid document is published in October, through which parties can apply.
Grant funding will be available for whoever takes on some of the services currently offered to entrepreneurs, particularly support for new business start-ups.
‘We are really pleased with the interest we have had already from several exciting companies who are looking at the possibility of taking on the role of the Digital Greenhouse, each with their own unique ideas,’ said Deputy Marc Laine, vice-president of the Committee for Economic Development.
‘I don’t want there to be any ambiguity about this: the committee is wholly dedicated to ensuring that Guernsey has world class support for entrepreneurs and real growth potential for innovation in every industry.’
Deputy Laine said a government-run incubator could only do so much, and the offering could be more effective if led by the private sector, bringing more dynamism, agility and lived experience.
‘This is the complete opposite to us turning our back on entrepreneurs,’ he said. ‘We want to turbo-charge the support that is in place for them and drive real innovation and growth in our economy.’
Susan Watson, chair of the Innovate Guernsey Board, said it was encouraging to see such strong early interest in building on the Digital Greenhouse’s legacy.
‘The opportunity now is to create an independently run, commercially sustainable organisation which retains the support the innovation community values, while bringing the agility, partnerships and real-world experience needed to help more local businesses start, grow and innovate,’ she said.
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