A Whakatāne District Council-owned shop earmarked for demolition in mid-2014 is set to help young entrepreneurs gain real life business experience.

The Council owns four shops in the Whakatāne town centre which are expected to be demolished in June next year to make way for the development of a pedestrian plaza linking The Strand to the Whakatāne River-edge greenway area.

Council Business Services Manager Aaron Milne says one of the shops is vacant, and given the short time it will be available, leasing it is impracticable. “We’d like to see this prime retail space used for a worthy purpose which will bring something fresh and vital to the town centre,” he says. “The Council also wants to help foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst our young people, so we’re calling for proposals for a youth business venture, ideally aimed at the youth market, which can be operated over the summer months.”

Mr Milne says the concept would see individuals or groups of students between the ages of 16 and 24 gaining business and life experience without the financial risk usually associated with operating retail premises in the town centre. “The space will be made available at no cost and the Council will also cover reasonable outgoings, such as rates, electricity and water charges. Applications from interested individuals or groups should be submitted before the end of October, for evaluation by a panel comprised of representatives of the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Young Enterprise Scheme and the Council. The successful proposal will be announced on Friday, 8 November and access to the premises will be available immediately.”

Applicants under the age of 20 will be required to demonstrate that they have behind-the-scenes adult support and guidance. Applications forms will be sent to local secondary and tertiary education providers and other organisations involved in the youth sector. They can also be obtained from the Whakatāne District Council’s customer services department.