Small Business Minister Craig Emerson said tonight the first Rudd Labor Government Budget provides $42 million to fund one-stop small business advisory centres across Australia.
The funding will support 36 Business Enterprise Centres in suburban, rural and regional Australia.
Dr Emerson said: "Small businesses have told us that what they really want is one-stop business advice, so that they don't have to go from place to place to obtain legal, tax, accounting and marketing advice".
"The funding will enable 36 Business Enterprise Centres to strengthen and expand their capacity to help small business debutantes and those already in operation", Dr Emerson said.
The previous Government had funded the small business field officer network only until 30 June 2009. In place of an expiring program, the Government is funding a commitment of $42 million over four years.
Dr Emerson said: "This new $42 million small business program is part of the Government's overall small business strategy that includes cutting red tape in 27 areas of business regulation, amending the law to prevent powerful businesses from misusing their market power against small businesses, tax relief for small business owners, easing skill shortages and a national high-speed broadband network".
The funding decision meets Labor's election commitment to support more than 30 advisory centres around Australia.
Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654.