An initiative aimed at assisting Indigenous Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) develop food gardens is one of 16 projects across Australia that will share in $1.07 million funding under Enterprise Connect's small grants round for Remote and Regional Enterprises.
Announcing the recipients today, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said the projects would provide an important boost to remote and regional Australia.
"These grants are making sure remote and regional enterprises stay connected despite their geographical boundaries,” Senator Carr said.
“We are taking a common-sense approach by facilitating links between these businesses to develop new ideas, new technologies and new markets.
"Each of the successful projects will investigate issues specific to regional and remote enterprises and will provide workable pathways to resolve them."
Among the other projects that are to receive grants are:
• the Northern Tasmania Regional Development Board’s project to identify opportunities for innovation that build on the strengths of Northeast Tasmania's core industry sectors ($81,400);
• Skill Smart's project to develop a job competency framework for the small business sector in the Tumby Bay district of South
Australia ($50,000); and
• Augusta Nelson Pty Ltd's project aimed at assisting Indigenous SMEs, communities and cross sector stakeholders collaborate in the development of food gardens and associated enterprises ($75,000).
Ms Anthea Fawcett, spokesperson for Augusta Nelson Limited, said a large component of her project would involve strategically focused research in what is a fragmented industry.
"We will use this grant to bring individuals and groups with a common interest in food gardens together to help create new enterprise initiatives - ones that offer social and economic benefits to communities," Ms Fawcett said.
Further information about Enterprise Connect is available on their website www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or by calling 131 791. A complete list of the successful projects can be found below.
Media contacts: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
John Dean, Enterprise Connect, 0419 031 331