SUCCESS stories from Western Australia’s more than 214,000 small businesses have taken an innovation and indigenous focus today, as Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack continued his WA listening tour.
"I am always conscious that the diversity of Australia’s small business sector is vast. Every enterprise is a different story. Every enterprise has a different aim and I want to meet as many owner/operators as possible," Mr McCormack said.
Minister McCormack praised the Edith Cowan University’s Business Innovation Centre, which has 38 businesses in its incubator.
"The Federal Government understands the important role start-ups play within our economy. This is a sector I have been interested in from my interactions with great local start-up businesses across Australia, and I wanted to learn more about the new industries emerging in Western Australia.
"It’s clear the National Innovation and Science Agenda, as well as our Crowd-Source Equity Funding program is helping many young people at Edith Cowan get their start and pursue their dream," Mr McCormack said.
With indigenous employment and procurement a key focus of the Federal Government, Mr McCormack also met with two businesses which participate in the Indigenous Supplier Development Program.
"As we look towards building the best possible opportunities for locals in WA, it is vital we continue to focus on indigenous businesses, their clients and communities," Mr McCormack said.
"I toured Tri Shield Services – an indigenous company providing maintenance, construction and security services to mining and resource companies throughout WA, as well as In-Balance – an Aboriginal-owned and family-run company which exports a range of unique, environmentally-friendly Australian industrial cleaning products to the world.
"Both these companies are Indigenous Australian Small Business Advisory Service clients and provide the jobs, investment and opportunities Indigenous communities in WA deserve.
"It was terrific to see directly how investment through the ASBAS program can deliver the confidence and investment the Government wants to see across Australia."
Mr McCormack will also present the Belmont Business Awards tonight in Perth before heading to regional WA tomorrow.