New local enterprise centre for the North-West

The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is to join the successful network of local enterprise centres in the State.

North-West Minister Ernie Bridge today presented a $50,000 grant from the State and Federal Governments to the recently formed West Kimberley Local Enterprise Agency to enable a centre to be established in Derby.

Mr Bridge said the centre would deliver management support to the Derby/West Kimberley business community through a locally based enterprise consultant.

"The experience of other local business communities that already have an enterprise centre indicates Derby can expect a boost to the local economy through growth in business," Mr Bridge said.

"The existing network of 15 enterprise centres (10 in regional and rural areas) have helped start 417 businesses in the nine months to March.

"Another 108 businesses have seen growth and a total of 964 jobs have been created.

"This year the program will be expanded to 21 centres."

The idea to set up an enterprise centre was initiated by the Derby Chamber of Commerce with support from the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.

Mr Bridge said credit was due to the local business community which, along with the shire council, had lobbied hard for a business facilitator in Derby.

"The Local Enterprise Agency is assured of support from these groups in its efforts to promote and assist new business development," he said.

The committee, chaired by Peter Kneebone, includes Phillip Andrew (Shire Clerk), Colin Pigrim (Kimwest Motors), Peter Ring (Derby Chamber of Commerce), Kevin Pong (AISIC), Kevin Beere (DEET), Barb Stott (RDOS), Phillip Johnson (ANZ Bank).

The committee is comprised of respected local people who voluntarily give their time to assist the facilitator.

Chairman Peter Kneebone said the enterprise centre was an exciting concept which, if it mirrored the success of others throughout the State, would provide welcome employment and development opportunities for the shire.

The enterprise centre will work in two ways. It will advise people with ideas for new business ventures and also help develop new product, market or productivity strategies for existing businesses.

The project in Western Australia is jointly funded by the WA Department of State Development (Local Enterprise Centre Program) and the Federal Department of Primary Industry and Energy (through its Business Advice in Rural Areas Program).

It is strongly backed by local government with 42 local authorities in the State providing active support in cash or kind.