small business

CEO of Banjo Loans, Guy Callaghan gives his thoughts on why diversity in the workplace improves productivity and bottom line. Small businesses in Australia are increasingly being led by women. In our experience as a lender, women’s approach to running an enterprise can sometimes give them the edge over their male counterparts. Women are still … Continue reading Women owners – coming to a business near you →

The federal government is encouraging small and family businesses to have their say in the independent review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the review is considering how effectively and efficiently the Ombudsman has provided assistance and advocacy for Australian … Continue reading Consultations open for review of Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman →

More than $253 million in cash grants has been paid to thousands of small businesses and not-for-profits across SA to help them trade through COVID-19. Businesses have described the grants as a ‘lifeline’, providing ‘generous and vital support’ to help protect and secure local jobs during uncertain times. Of the 20,885 businesses and not-for-profits to … Continue reading SA government cash grants for small businesses →

Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has announced contracts with five Australian small-to- medium-enterprises to explore Australian sovereign technologies that may be incorporated into the AIR6500 system solution. LMA, together with innovative Australian SMEs which include Consilium Technology, Consunet, Shoal, Silentium Defence and Ultra, will investigate and develop capabilities that can be integrated into an open architecture … Continue reading Lockheed Martin partners with Australian industry to build AIR6500 →

Thousands of large Australian businesses have been invited to register early for the federal government’s new Payment Times Reporting Scheme, which requires businesses with a total annual income of over $100 million to publicly report their payment terms and practices to their small business suppliers. From January 1st, 2021, large businesses must start reporting on how … Continue reading New payment scheme to benefit small business suppliers →

An innovative small business helping soldiers in the battlefield control electrical devices on their weapons and body has been awarded a $3.4 million contract with Defence. Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, announced the new contract, funded through the Defence Innovation Hub, with Canberra-based Kord Defence. “The Morrison Government is continuing to invest in Australian … Continue reading Canberra small business wins Defence innovation contract →

The Western Australian state government is investing in the revitalisation of regional WA through an initiative to provide support and services to small businesses as they recover from COVID-19. Vibrant Regional Businesses is a community-led investment program developed by Horizon Power in collaboration with eight regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) groups. Eight regional … Continue reading WA government invests $180,000 in regional small business →

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has launched a national campaign to support the recovery of Australia’s small businesses. The ‘Go Local First’ campaign, funded by the federal government, will urge Australians to buy local products and services to help the small business sector. The campaign will highlight the vital role of small … Continue reading ‘Go Local First’ campaign to support small businesses →

The federal government has expanded their business hotline to support small-and-medium businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Operations at the contact centre will be available seven days a week between 7am-11pm to provide specialised advice. Employment, skills, small and family business minister Michaelia Cash said the extended service will help businesses seeking more information and clarity. … Continue reading More support for small businesses through business hotline →

National employer association Ai Group has welcomed the Victorian government’s survival packages to support businesses and jobs. A $500 million Business Support Fund has been established by the government to assist the hardest hit sectors. Ai Group will help administer the funds. Victorian head of Ai Group Tim Piper said discussions with treasurer Tim Pallas … Continue reading Ai Group welcomes Victorian government stimulus →

More than 170 Australian small businesses across the country have been featured in the latest Australian Military Sales Catalogue released today by the Department of Defence. The document, Australian Defence Sales Catalogue, features information about support services available to the defence industry sector to increase opportunities for exports. Defence industry minister the Hon Melissa Price … Continue reading 170 small businesses promoted in military catalogue →

The federal government has announced $15 billion in lending for small businesses as part of its $100 billion “bridge” to support the Australian economy through the spread of coronavirus. The Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) will be provided with the investment, which will be facilitated through authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADI) lenders over a 12-month … Continue reading $15bn lending for SMEs announced →

Previewing Small Business Month in NSW, Damien Tudehope, Minister for Finance and Small Business, highlighted the potential of the events held across the month. “Business owners will have the opportunity to connect with government and commercial enterprise that can provide them with products, services and thought leadership to help them start-up, grow and prosper,” said … Continue reading Small Business Month to boost economic engine room →

Small manufacturing businesses will be able to lower their energy costs with a new tool from the federal government. The Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP) provides businesses with a personalised energy advice service and an online tool to identify where the business can trim their energy bill. For businesses with 6-20 employees, the NSW Business … Continue reading New tool to cut energy bills →

On August 7, Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, announced that seven small businesses were selected to work with Rheinmetall Defence Australia on LAND400 Phase 2 and LAND 121 Phase 5B. The two projects, which combined will include almost $20 million in contracts, cover the supply of 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, and heavy and … Continue reading Companies share in $20 million of work for Australian Army →

A new $10 million cyber security initiative announced by the federal government today will help small businesses secure their own and their customers’ data.  Over the next two years, eligible small businesses can apply for individual grants of up to $2,100, covering half the cost of having their cyber security tested by service providers approved by … Continue reading Gov announces $10m funding to help small businesses with cyber security →

Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) is inviting research proposals from small businesses and universities to help the department of defence devise novel ways of integrating advanced materials onto military platforms. DST and the United Kingdom’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) are collaborating on research to find innovative joining technologies that will provide Defence in … Continue reading DST promotes research on advanced materials integration onto military platforms →

The NSW government has announced a new $30 million skills initiative that offers NSW small businesses and their staff access to free TAFE business skills training programs. The state minister for skills John Barilaro said the new Skills for Business program meant local businesses and their staff could undertake free TAFE NSW qualifications in subjects … Continue reading NSW offers $30m towards TAFE programs for small businesses →

The Queensland Government has opened the third round of its popular Small Business Digital Grants, providing up to $10,000 in matched funding to operators keen to embrace new technology. Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said 403 Queensland small businesses have already shared in more than $2 million in funding under the first two rounds of the program – generating growth … Continue reading New round of QLD government small business grants →

BAE Systems Australia has welcomed the announcement of the renewal of Australia’s Global Supply Chain Agreement by Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne. The agreement will allow BAE Systems to continue to provide Australian companies with access to commercial and defence opportunities within its international business. In 2016, the company had contracts with over 24,000 … Continue reading Australia’s Global Supply Chain Agreement to sustain defence industry →