Opening marks start of business hub

A new innovation centre was labelled Port Hedland’s “heart of business” at its opening last week.

The red ribbon was officially cut on the WEB Business Hub on Friday by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan, as well as BHP Western Australia Iron Ore asset president Edgar Basto and Marapikurrinya Kariyarra elder Diana Robinson-Brown. Ms MacTiernan said the centre was a first-class facility that would become the town’s heart of business.

“It's a great time to be growing or starting a business in the Pilbara, with more support than ever for entrepreneurs to take their business or idea to the next level,” she said.

“We need enterprises of all shapes and sizes to build greater economic complexity in the Pilbara and the WEB will be a valuable asset as a place for businesses to connect, learn and grow.

“The completion of the WEB supports the State Government's commitment to strengthen the capability and capacity of locally based small businesses to build strong regional economies and create new jobs.”

Guests from all areas of business toured the co-working hub, which is managed by Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce.

The project was funded through $2 million from the State Government through the Pilbara Development Commission, a $1.9 million contribution from BHP and $425,000 from the Port Hedland Chamber of Comm-erce.

Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel said he congratulated the State Government and the PHCCI for their commitment to “long-term, diversified and sustainable economic growth”.

“The WEB Business Hub will foster the entrepreneurial and innovative mindset that our Pilbara is famous for,” he said.

The new facility has seven private offices and a co-working area with 11 hot desks, as well as a dedicated workspace for 12 more, three meeting rooms and event spaces.