Business improvement and productivity initiatives are vital in the planning process and for long term sustainable operations. The more attention that has gone in to considering and managing strategic issues and the other associated operational processes, the better your chances of success and resulting profitable performance.
CCI since 2007 has been supporting a value adding service from Enterprise Connect, which has been specifically set up to provide backing for Australian SMEs companies.
Supported by Australian government funding from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, manufacturers, service exporters and companies in areas of resources, defence and creative industries have the opportunity for a no charge third party business review. They then can be potentially eligible to receive grants valued up to $20,000. Program eligibility criteria is a simple procedure and is assessed including the key issues that the businesses are required to be companies in the $2-100 million turnover range, holding an ACN for 3 years and have lodged BAS statements for 3 years and be solvent.
Enterprise Connect is designed to help SMEs develop further the knowledge, tools, and expertise to improve productivity, increase competitiveness and fully capitalise on their growth potential.
How does it work?
On request, a business adviser from Enterprise Connect will visit your workplace and conduct a comprehensive business review, which is delivered at no cost to the client’s business.
The review process generally takes three or four visits to your premises, in which the adviser will work with your staff members throughout various operational levels to develop a thorough understanding of your business’ strengths and weaknesses, strategic business issues plus potential areas for improvement and growth.
To apply for a business review you will need to complete and submit a short form taking 10–15 minutes to complete. This is available online at www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au.
CCIWA has two business advisers available who can supply further advice on the program benefits.
Contact either Vic Susinetti or John Clegg at CCIWA - telephone 08 9365 7655
At the conclusion of the review process, a business review report is presented to your business with a number of key recommendations. This will include a suggested Action Plan with steps you should take internally, and if deemed suitable, the further recommendation of engaging an external consultant.
An external adviser's subsidy may then be made available to your business, by way of matching dollar-for-dollar grants up to $20,000, saving your business half the expense of services such as creating a strategic plan for future growth and expansion and other identified advice that is deemed value-adding to your particular circumstances.