With funding of $20 million over four years, the Innovative Regions Centre will be headquartered in Geelong at Deakin University. It will operate as a central provider of advice and services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Geelong region and up to four other regions, which have higher than average unemployment and are experiencing adjustment pressures.
The centre will:
- Provide a comprehensive review of the firm that identifies its strengths and weaknesses, strategic business issues, potential areas for business improvement and potential areas for growth;
- Provide grants for addressing areas identified by the review for improvement/growth;
- Help to find and adapt the latest Australian and international research, technology and organisational knowledge to improve products and efficiency in the firms;
- Provide specialist facilities and advice designed to assist with turning ideas into products;
- Facilitate access to other companies that may be able to offer mentoring, private investment and business partnerships; and
- Assist with accessing government programs, including export development grants and market intelligence from Austrade.
The Innovative Regions Centre will work with local business associations and authorities in up to five regions to build knowledge of its programs and identify region-specific strategies.
For further information, call the Enterprise Connect Hotline between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (AEST) on 131 791 (Australian callers only) or email innovativeregionscentre@innovation.gov.au.