Small business given boost by Government package

23/11/01
The State's business incubators have been given a boost with the announcement today of a wide-ranging assistance package.
Small Business Minister Clive Brown said the package included marketing assistance, a dedicated incubator liaison staff member and a support program for incubator tenants.
The incubator concept provides premises for businesses in their start-up phase (from one to three years) and the benefits include shared facilities and access to on-site business guidance and support.
"Experience confirms that small businesses last longer and are more prosperous when they have graduated from an incubator program," Mr Brown said.
"There are 10 business incubators in operation in Western Australia, six under construction and three in the feasibility stage.
"The increased support to incubators will benefit not only individuals and their businesses, but also local communities and the State as a whole through increased economic activity.
"A dedicated incubator liaison staff member will support each incubator manager and provide access to Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) services."
Mr Brown said incubator tenants would benefit from individual guidance in business planning, skills development and general business assistance. They would also be able to attend customised workshops and visits from SBDC advisers.
"Existing SBDC business development programs that will be promoted to incubator tenants include the Small Business Improvement Program and the Business Innovation Development Scheme," he said.
"The SBDC's general business skills workshop program and mentor matching service will also be available to incubator tenants."
Mr Brown said the small business sector was a vital part of the State's economy with 116,300 small businesses employing over 50 per cent of the State's private workforce.
To find the location of your nearest incubator, contact the Business Incubator Association of WA on 9274-6439.
Media contact: Bev East on 9222 9699