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Getting the right advice on operating a business can often mean the difference between success and failure for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in today's increasingly competitive environment.
Recognising this, the Australian Government has introduced a specialised program to direct comprehensive support to SMEs to help them become more innovative, efficient and competitive.
Enterprise Connect is a $251 million Australia Government initiative which recognises that SMEs face many challenges and opportunities in today's increasingly global market.
The national program is designed to help SMEs acquire the knowledge, tools and expertise to improve productivity, increase competitiveness and capitalise on their growth potential in today's evolving business environment.
Enterprise Connect has two over-arching components - Manufacturing Centres and Innovation Centres.
Together, they provide a national network of services and support for eligible SMEs to access expert, practical advice and support tailored to their individual firms needs.
The program has a network of independent Business Advisers and the first step for SMEs taking part in the program is a free, comprehensive Business Review, to be conducted by skilled a business adviser at the firm's premises.
Business advisers work throughout the various operational levels of the firm to develop a thorough view of:
- The strengths and weaknesses of the firm;
- Strategic business issues;
- Potential areas for business improvement; and
- Potential areas for growth.
The next step may be the use of the program's Tailored Advisory Services to help SMEs engage service providers who can assist in implementing changes to improve their business performance.
Through Enterprise Connect, the Australian Government will reimburse the firm half the cost, up to a maximum of $20,000 (excluding GST), of engaging a consultant to deliver the Tailored Advisory Service.
Typical projects that are identified through the Business Review process and are funded include:
- supply chain management
- business and quality management systems
- lean manufacturing/office
- strategic and business planning
- resource management
- waste/resource management
- people and change management
- new product/service development
- diversification/economies of scope
- market access and development
- export strategy
In addition, the Australian Government has committed $10 million within Enterprise Connect to support the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies into businesses where such a placement would help to develop and implement a new idea with commercial potential.
Researchers in Business offers funding for up to 50 per cent of salary costs, to a maximum of $50,000, for each placement. Placements can be for up to 12 months.
The program aims to:
- Help break down the cultural divide between business and the research sector (the researcher may be from a university or research agency);
- Speed the dissemination of expertise;
- Accelerate the adoption of new ideas and technologies;
- Increase competitiveness of firms; and
- Create jobs
Clearly the program has many benefits for SMEs but one problem is that this sector is often suspicious of outsiders coming in to their companies and "telling them what to do".
With this program, such fears can be put to rest.
Enterprise Connect does not deliver a "one-size-fits-all" standardised product but focuses on the demands and unique situations of each company that participates.
The business advisers are a 'neutral party' who are not running an agenda and so give impartial advice. This may not always be palatable, but it is honest.
Participating firms can access an expert outsider's view, using world class tools, thinking and approaches which are practical and useable and which will be tailored to the specifics of their own business.
In short, Enterprise Connect can help SMEs grow their bottom line.
For more information or to see if you are eligible to take part in the program contact:
Web:www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au
Email:enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au
Phone: 131 791
