More than 70 events to take place during Small Business Week

15/9/97

Small Business Week begins today with more than 70 individual events listed to take place throughout the State.

Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan has urged small business operators to take advantage of the programs being offered and to consider new ideas and innovations when planning for the future.

"In addition to assisting small to medium enterprises increase their skills and expertise, Small Business Week also highlights the key economic and employment role played by the small business sector in Western Australia," Mr Cowan said.

"Small business has the ability to drive the economy and create job opportunities for more Western Australians.

"Today's theme is 'Technology and Opportunity'. Those who embrace rapidly advancing technology will have the opportunity of gaining a substantial competitive edge."

Mr Cowan said one of the major challenges facing businesses was the expansion of WA's export base.

"WA is ideally placed to deal with some of the fastest growing economies in South-East Asia," he said.

"The State has the products and services sought by these markets and technology can help to make our businesses more internationally-oriented."

Mr Cowan said Small Business Week, which is presented by ANZ and the Small Business Development Corporation, catered for people contemplating joining the growing ranks of Western Australians starting up, expanding or diversifying their business.

There will be seminars, workshops, business and finance hotlines, award presentations and access to professional advice.

The week will culminate in the annual Telstra WA Small Business Development Corporation Awards on Friday night.

For more details about Small Business Week contact the special hotline - 9220 0216.

Media contact: Peter Jackson (08) 9222 9595