Massey University's entrepreneur and business mentor programme, ecentreSprint is looking for applicants for its next intake in August.

The 12-week practical programme is aimed at helping entrepreneurs develop and validate business ideas, turning them into successful business models.

"The concept of solving a real market problem is simple, but is often overlooked," ecentre CEO Steve Corbett said. "Entrepreneurs will often, mistakenly, spend months or even years developing a product without having proven whether they are solving an actual problem for which there are paying customers."

Steve Guy from realedge.co.nz is one person whose idea has taken flight. Through the ecentreSprint programme, Steve identified and validated a niche within the real estate industry and is now working with a select group of agents to test his RealEDGE software.

"Through ecentreSprint my ideas were challenged from many qualified and knowledgeable third party perspectives, which helped me grow and refine my proposed offering. I would highly recommend anyone to come to ecentre at the early stages of idea development and not work alone for 18 months as I did – you'll get there quicker!"

"Through the programme, entrepreneurs gain early market feedback and build and evolve their prototype business model based on that feedback," said ecentre business strategist Sabrina Nagel.

"ecentreSprint entrepreneurs benefit from the interaction with a wide range of experts including Massey University experts, experienced entrepreneurs and mentors from the business world. This helps to equip them with the skills they need to take their product or service from garage to global."

To find out more contact Dorian Scott on 09 281 4547.