Joint release with the Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Outback tourism, Indigenous arts, carbon trading, land management, livestock, and manufacturing are just some of the businesses that can benefit from the launch of the $10 million Enterprise Connect Remote Enterprise Centre in Alice Springs.
The centre was opened today by Member for Lingiari, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, on behalf of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.
Based in the Desert Knowledge Precinct, the centre offers world-class services to boost productivity and competition amongst small and medium businesses in remote areas of Australia.
Central to its services are free onsite business reviews conducted by expert business advisers. Businesses can apply for matching grants of up to $20,000 to make improvements identified in the review.
The centre also provides ongoing mentoring and access to the latest thinking and technology through its connections with leading-edge research organisations.
Remote businesses in the Territory, WA, SA, NSW and QLD will benefit from the centre.
Whether the business is mining, Indigenous crafts or horticulture, it may be eligible to receive expert assistance.
Remote enterprises are particularly important to the Territory economy where they face challenges of climate, isolation, staffing and infrastructure.
The Remote Enterprise Centre will offer the top-quality assistance needed for these businesses to thrive, creating high-wage, high-skill jobs for the future.
The centre is an integral part of the Rudd Government's $251 million Enterprise Connect initiative.
Enterprise Connect is a national network of centres offering practical assistance to help firms become stronger by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence.
For more information on Enterprise Connect, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call the Enterprise Connect hotline on 131 791.
Media Contact: Patrick Pantano, Senator Carr's Office, 0417 181 936
Kate Sieper, Mr Snowdon's Office, 0488 484 689