Enterprise Connect is a $251 million national initiative established by the Australian Government. It was launched by Senator the Honourable Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on 21 May 2008. A copy of the media release is available here.
The initiative is administered by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research in collaboration with a number of Partner Organisations.
Enterprise Connect aims to provide comprehensive support to Australian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which are a vital part of Australia’s economic future. SMEs face many challenges in today’s increasingly global marketplace, including a high Australian dollar, a tight labour market and the challenge of competing against imported products.
But today’s business environment also brings opportunities. Enterprise Connect is designed to help SMEs acquire the knowledge, tools and expertise to improve productivity, increase competitiveness and fully capitalise on their growth potential.
Enterprise Connect comprises two components, the Manufacturing Network and Innovation Centres. Together, they provide a national network of services and support for eligible SMEs to access expert, practical advice and support tailored to their individual firms.
The Manufacturing Network
The Manufacturing Network provides eligible SMEs with a full suite of advisory services. These include:
- Business Review conducted for free by one of our Business Advisers.
- Tailored Advisory Service provides funding to implement actions identified in the Business Review.
- Researchers in Business offers the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies into businesses to help develop and implement new commercial ideas.
The Manufacturing Network has centres located in Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Mawson Lakes (SA), Perth (WA), Burnie (TAS) as well as QMI Solutions in Brisbane (QLD). 45 Business Advisers located in metropolitan and regional Australia ensure that services can be delivered to eligible firms nationwide.
Innovation Centres
The Government has established five specialist Innovation Centres that represent areas of strategic importance to Australia’s economic future:
The Innovation Centres will open during 2008.
Each Innovation Centre will have specialist expertise in connecting SMEs with new ideas, technologies and markets via a range of activities. These will include:
- Business reviews
- Ongoing mentoring and support
- Ready and easy access to the best knowledge and research
- Practical, on-site research assistance to help SMEs develop and implement new commercial ideas, through the Researchers in Business program
- Help with accessing other government programs and funding
As with the Manufacturing Network, the Innovation Centres comprise a team of skilled Enterprise Connect Business Advisers who are located in key metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia to ensure easy access to Enterprise Connect services.
Additional Enterprise Connect services will be announced in the coming months.
Discretionary Grants
From time to time, Enterprise Connect may award discretionary grants to fund projects and activities to assist in the implementation, design and delivery of services consistent with the program's objectives. Guidelines for the awarding of these grants are available here.
Client Service Charter
Enterprise Connect's commitment to excellent client service is reflected in the Client Service Charter. The Charter provides information on the program, service targets and feedback mechanisms.
Complaints
If you would like to make a formal complaint, please read the Procedures for Handling Complaints. The Procedures provide information on how to make a complaint, how your complaint will be handled and timeframes. A Complaints Form is also available to assist you to lodge a complaint.
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 enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au