New grants support small business
Business SA has been awarded $210,000 by the State Government for its ongoing support for small businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups.
Announced by the Minister for Small Business, Tom Koutsantonis, the funding will sustain Business SA’s Small Business Contact Service, the South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme (SAYES) and the Business Coaching and Mentoring program.
“This funding is part of the Government’s small business strategy, which aims to lift the capability of the owners and people who run the businesses by giving them access to the expertise and networks they need to succeed and become globally competitive,” Koutsantonis said.
“Over the past 18 months, these programs supported more than 60 businesses or young entrepreneurs and feedback from Business SA indicates that these initiatives are essential for small businesses facing rapidly changing market conditions that need prompt access to practical advice and support,” he said.
“Assistance includes $100,000 for the Small Business Contact Service, a contact point for small business owners and people considering starting a small business to access business information. It is also a referral service, directing telephone and email enquiries to the most appropriate sources of business information, counselling, advice or service.”
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This complements the nearly 20,000 calls a year that Business SA receives as part of its telephone Member Advice Service that helps mainly small employers deal with all aspects of employment.
The South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme (SAYES) will receive $40,000 to assist more than 25 people aged 18-35 develop a business idea or further enhance an established micro or small business.
Last financial year, 28 young entrepreneurs participated in the successful 12-month program which has been operating for more than 15 years.
Co-owner of Arriba Grill Restaurants James Peebles, who participated in SAYES last year, said prior to SAYES he knew only two other business owners in South Australia.
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“I didn’t have anyone to speak to,” Peebles said.
“SAYES changed that completely and I’ve had great help from many experienced people,” he said.
The Coaching and Mentoring program is an advanced business skills development program and will receive $70,000 in funding for a minimum of 30 participants in 2014-15.
Director of Barossa Valley Cheese Company Victoria McClurg, who participated in the Coaching and Mentoring Program, said it offered her business an opportunity to review the basic foundation blocks required to run a successful business relevant to the current market.
“The highlight of the program for us was its ability to facilitate networking opportunities between like-minded businesses,” McClurg said.
“It was a chance to share and discuss challenges, ideas and create solutions amongst a progressive group of businesses.”
Further information: www.threesixty-sa.com; www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/small_business
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