In a joint statement with the Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the Government was working with businesses on new programmes with a clear focus on making Australian industry more competitive.
The programmes will drive business productivity gains across the economy and help create many new jobs in the sector.
As part of the new $484.2 million Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme, the Government is investing $92.4 million to put in place a new streamlined Single Business Service Delivery initiative.
Good ideas into great market outcomes
"Through the Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme, the Australian Government is setting a new path for Australian industry, which will embrace the determination and ingenuity of the business community and help turn good ideas into great market outcomes," Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane said.
"The Single Business Service is about making it easier for all businesses to work with the Government.
"It will make information, advice and support simpler to find, understand and access.
"All Australian businesses will benefit from this more simple and streamlined approach, which will also seamlessly direct eligible customers into more intensive support to help businesses overcome particular challenges.
"Under the new service eligible businesses will be linked to specific Government assistance programmes, like the Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme, R&D Tax Incentive, Industry Skills Fund, Manufacturing Transition Grants Programme and Growth Fund and other energy efficiency, industry and skills programmes."
Access information and services
Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson said from July 1 every Australian business, including small businesses and independent contractors, will be able to access Department of Industry information and services through a single website or contact number.
"The integration of the Small Business Support Line into the Single Business Service Delivery initiative will simplify and streamline the delivery of support available to all businesses," Billson said.
"The service will expand the existing Support Line initiative by providing small businesses with enhanced access to advice on business start-up information, banking, finance, accounting and marketing, advertising, small business counselling and information technology.
"Recognising people already know the phone number for the Small Business Support Line; its physical number will remain but will be diverted into the new service."
