Derby to get enterprise centre

People with viable, money-making ideas in Derby and surrounding areas will soon have access to specialised assistance to help turn their ideas into new businesses.

North-West Minister Ernie Bridge said agreement had been reached between the State and Federal Governments and local groups to establish an enterprise centre in Derby for this purpose.

It was one of six new centres being established around the State, adding to the present network of 15 currently operating.

While the centre would be located in Derby, its services would also be available to people from Fitzroy Crossing and elsewhere in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.

Mr Bridge said business experts were employed by the centres to provide information and advice on establishing new enterprises.

Their job was not to come up with business initiatives, but to offer support and advice through the difficult establishment phase to self-motivated people who had viable business ideas.

"We know from past experience that these centres can have a significant influence on local economies, and in Derby it could do much to diversify job opportunities," the Minister said.

While becoming part of a statewide network, the Derby centre would be managed through a local organisation - the Derby enterprise centre - representing local business, local government, and the Derby development committee.

Funding was comprised of $50,000 combined from the Federal and State Governments, $10,000 from the Derby/West Kimberley Shire, and office support worth $5,600 from the Derby Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Bridge said Western Australia's enterprise centre network was directly responsible for helping about 500 people start up in new businesses last year.

"On past performance, we know that the majority of those businesses will prove viable concerns, and most will provide jobs for many more people," he said.