Business Enterprise Centre network reached highest success level in 1997-98

26/10/98

Western Australia's Business Enterprise Centre network achieved its highest level of success during 1997-98, assisting in the start-up of 1580 new businesses.

Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan said this resulted in the creation of an estimated 2,147 full-time and 909 part-time jobs.

"A 12.6 per cent increase in contacts was achieved by all BECs, with more than 57,000 clients, compared with 49,640 in 1996-97," Mr Cowan said.

"This clearly demonstrates the merit of the State Government continuing to support the growth of small business through the BEC network."

The BEC program is a network of 26 regional and 10 metropolitan centres across WA. They are supported by the Small Business Development Corporation and provide information and advice on establishing a new business or expanding an existing venture.

Other activity for the year included:

·         bank loans of between $2000 and $10,000 were provided by participating banks through the Regional Enterprise Funding Scheme which assists small businesses with start-up and expansion costs. During the year, 43 applications were approved, totalling $367,450;

·         regional BECs received new sponsorship from BankWest to establish Internet connections and assist with the cost of access to the Internet, ensuring equity of access to essential business information for people living in country regions; and -

·         AussieHost customer service training workshops continued to be delivered through the 26 regional BECs.

Mr Cowan said BECs provided a gateway to Government assistance programs for business planning, assistance with access to small business finance, marketing and export ventures.

"One of the keys to BEC success is that each is also supported by its local community," he said.

"A voluntary group of local business people, Chambers of Commerce, local government and local sponsors all play a part in the effectiveness of the program."

Local government is also a major sponsor of BECs throughout Western Australia, contributing around 10 per cent of the BEC operating budget and demonstrating a considerable commitment to WA's vibrant small business sector.

Media contact: Peter Jackson (Minister's office) 9222-9595

Michelle Beaven (SBDC) 9220 0218