A Plan for Australian Jobs, the Australian Government's Industry and Innovation Statement was released 17 February 2013. The plan outlines amongst other initiatives, enhancements to be made to Enterprise Connect, significantly increasing its footprint across industry.
It recognises that since 2008, Enterprise Connect has boosted the productivity and performance of Australian small and medium businesses (SMEs) in manufacturing, defence, creative, resources, clean technology, and tourism sectors. Enterprise Connect has helped more than
18 000 Australian firms become more productive, innovative, competitive and sustainable.
The Government has extended Enterprise Connect services to a wider range of SMEs and will provide advanced services to firms with strong growth potential. Eligibility has been extended to firms in the professional services, information and communication technology, and transport (freight) and logistics sectors. These sectors provide essential support to Australian manufacturing supply chains and are an important part of the Australian economy.
Enterprise Connect Enhancements
- The eligibility threshold has been reduced to $1.5 million of annual revenue or expenditure from previously $2 million for firms in the manufacturing sector. This will see 20 per cent more manufacturing SMEs become eligible for assistance.
- Enterprise Connect services are now available to eligible businesses across three new sectors: professional services, information and communication technology and transport (freight) and logistics.
- Enterprise Connect will partner with other business support services to deliver the Industry Innovation Precincts' Global Opportunities and Leadership Development (GOLD) program for businesses who have strong potential for growth.
- Enterprise Connect will also continue to deliver competitiveness and linkage projects under the Government's Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiative.