Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Central Queensland now have access to more advice and support thanks to $770,000 in new Federal Government funding.
The funding has been allocated to the Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre (the Bundaberg BEC) to deliver the Central Queensland National Interest Initiative under the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) programme.
Together with the 2014 ASBAS Business Solutions round funding, it brings the total Abbott Coalition Government funding commitment to business advisory services delivered in Queensland to $3.47 million.
The Abbott Government allocated the new funding after identifying the Business Solutions round enabled the Bundaberg BEC to provide advisory services in Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie, but were still much needed in Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay.
The Bundaberg BEC will use the new funding to hire two business advisers to help start-ups and established small businesses in these areas through workshops and one on one sessions on: funding avenues and financial analysis; building your business; making the most of your talent and team; management capabilities; digital engagement implementation.
The funding has increased small business advisory services to the more than 48,000 small businesses across the local government areas of Mackay, Isaac, Livingstone, Rockhampton, Woorabinda, Central Highlands, Gladstone and Banana.
It will work to ensure small businesses across Central Queensland receive the targeted support they need to grow and improve their skills, efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
As the engine room of our economy, this assistance will support these businesses to expand their product lines, employ more staff and improve their access to finance and markets. This is particularly important for Queensland, which is situated so close to our export markets.
Getting the right advice, at the right time, is crucial for small businesses. It can be the difference between success and failure.
This initiative will position smaller operators to seize opportunities that might not have otherwise been open to them.
We have worked to secure this important funding for Central Queensland as part of our plan to ensure Australia is the very best place to start and grow a business.