New enterprise centres around State a boost for small businesses

18/7/94

Advice services for new and growing small businesses around Western Australia are receiving a big financial boost this month.

The support comes in the shape of new business enterprise centres, which will take the State's total to 36.

The Wyndham/East Kimberley business enterprise centre opened today.  New centres have opened in Belmont and Stirling this month, and Carnarvon's new premises open on July 28.  BECs are also scheduled to open in Welshpool, Subiaco and Malaga in coming weeks.

The centres give access to a wide range of free advice and assistance to local businesses and people who are keen to become involved in business.

"The State Government regards the network of 36 BECs as its principal way of helping the people who need business advice," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"Small business is the fastest growing employment sector in Australia, and it is an important role of government to ensure that it has access to all the support that is available.

"Western Australia's economy is underpinned by small business, and BECs perform a valuable, community-based job in encouraging their growth from the grass-roots level.

"The Wyndham/East Kimberley centre has been active for some weeks and has already had contact with a wide range of business people in the Kimberley."

Mr Cowan said the Wyndham/East Kimberley BEC, like the 35 other centres around, WA could put local businesses and individuals in touch with specialist advisers, assist with business planning, marketing, and provide trade information.

The number of centres has expanded from 26 in the past year.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595

John Mahomet 091 611 181