Enterprise connect to boost business in 8 more regions

The national centre, based in Geelong, develops region-specific strategies to encourage business growth. It is part of the Rudd Government's $50 million a year Enterprise Connect Network to boost small business productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr said the placement of facilitators attached to the Innovative Regions Centre was already operating well in Geelong and North Adelaide and would now help boost the productivity of eight more key regions.

Eight new placements will be made in:

• NSW: three placements, in the Wollongong, Central Coast and Lithgow regions;
• QLD: two placements, in North Brisbane and Central Queensland;
• WA: one placement covering the Kwinana, Mandurah and Fremantle areas;
• VIC: one placement covering the Victorian Central Goldfields; and
• TAS: one placement covering Northern Tasmania.

"The facilitators will collaborate with State and local governments, business organisations and individual businesses on regional innovation strategies to help business grow. Specific focus will be given to projects that develop partnerships, networks and alliances," Senator Carr said.

"In northern Adelaide, connections between the defence, electronic and ICT manufacturers and providers have been mapped to help strategically connect companies with one another and improve regional supply-chain opportunities."

The strategic work being done by the Innovative Regions Centre complements other services offered by Enterprise Connect. These include free, onsite business reviews to eligible businesses plus access to a range of business improvement grants.

"Enterprise Connect is a multi-levelled effort to assist Australian businesses to re-shape their thinking, become more collaborative and make enduring improvements to enable Australia to compete effectively in a competitive global environment," Senator Carr said.

Source: Innovation Minister