Three new business enterprise centres to be set up

7/7/94

New and growing small businesses around Western Australia are receiving a $110,000 boost this month.

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

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said the new centres - in Belmont, Balcatta and Wyndham - would give local businesses and people keen to become involved in business access to a wide range of advice and assistance.

"The State Government regards the network of 36 BECs, along with the services offered by the Small Business Development Corporation, as the principal way of helping the people who need business advice," Mr Cowan said at the Belmont BEC opening 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.

"WA'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 Belmont centre has been active for some weeks and has already developed a number of local initiatives to promote business activity in Belmont."

Mr Cowan said the Belmont 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 Belmont opening will be followed by Balcatta on July 14 and Wyndham on July 18.

The number of centres has expanded from 26 to 36 in the past year.   Belmont and Balcatta centres have received $25,000 each and Wyndham $60,000 in support from the Department of Commerce and Trade.

Media contact:   Peter Jackson 222 9595