SME

SME, a manufacturing not-for-profit association, has identified 20 academics who are shaping the next generation of engineers and smart manufacturing technologists.  These educators teach smart manufacturing methods and technologies being developed for use, worldwide.  Using smart technologies, they are helping legacy equipment owners assimilate into Industry 4.0, while sharing their perspective and industry knowledge. One … Continue reading SME recognises 20 smart manufacturing academics →

The federal government has said in a press statement that it is backing small and medium sized Australian businesses to tap into new markets around the world, with support for a series of export hubs across the nation. Ten export hubs from five states will receive more than $4.9 million under the SME Export Hubs … Continue reading Export hub grants help businesses through crisis →

The Queensland government has announced that it will create a $500 million loan scheme to support businesses affected by coronavirus across the state. The concessional facility, which will also extend the coronavirus payroll tax deferral, comprises of loans of up to $250,000. The scheme will remain interest free for the first 12 months to help … Continue reading $500m government loan for Qld businesses affected by coronavirus →

Innovative small and medium  enterprises (SME) in Western Australia are taking part in a cross-sector technology capabilities exchange called the Quantum Technology Exchange initiative (QuantumTX) to support the Australian space industry. “Australia’s ambitions to lead the next decade and beyond of technology innovation to support the global space industry should be limitless,” CEO of NERA, … Continue reading WA-based SMEs solving space sector challenges →

Round two of the small and medium enterprises Export Hubs initiative is now open. The initiative supports industry to coalesce around resources in local and regional areas, with the aim to access international markets and drive the growth of jobs. The funding goes towards not-for-profit organisations which can support the establishment or operation of a … Continue reading Export hubs program open for second round →

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced that the federal government will procure $3 billion of gear for Australia’s Special Forces. The purchase order, dubbed Project GREYFIN, will cover body armour, weapons, diving, parachuting, roping and climbing systems, medical search and rescue, communications, and human performance training and support. In a statement released by the Prime … Continue reading Australian defence manufacturers to be part of $3 billion purchase of Special Forces equipment →

The federal government has announced that it will introduce a new tax-payer backed fund that will inject $2 billion into loan markets to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) obtain financing. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and small business and skills minister Michaelia Cash today announced the creation of the Australian Business Securitisation Fund, which will invest … Continue reading Federal government to support SME financing with $2 billion securitisation fund →

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 →

Eleven Queensland small businesses will get grant funding under the latest round of the Accelerate Small Business Grants Program. Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman at the Sofi Spritz head office in Brisbane today announced these small businesses will receive assistance to engage with experts to help their business grow and create jobs. “Small … Continue reading More support for QLD SMEs →

Companies developing new ways to diagnose cancer, platforms to connect work and learning, next generation WiFi chips and quantum computing firmware are among the first to receive investment from Main Sequence Ventures, manager of the $200 million CSIRO Innovation Fund. Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the launch … Continue reading CSIRO innovation fund to harness Australian innovation →

In a news release earlier this week, the Andrews Labor Government is creating thousands of local jobs and using Victorian businesses to build the biggest public transport project in Victorian history – the Metro Tunnel. This was announced when Premier Daniel Andrews visited Spotswood’s Rail Centre to meet with apprentices and workers to announce the jobs … Continue reading Melbourne Metro Tunnel to see creation of 7000 jobs →

The long-awaited Innovative Manufacturing CRC will get underway in earnest this month, during a period in which the spotlight is very much on getting more bang for the country’s research buck. Brent Balinski spoke to the UTS’s Professor Roy Green about Australia’s innovation system.

Austech, Australia’s premier advanced precision manufacturing and machine tool exhibition, has invited small to medium manufacturing local businesses to participate in the new and extended Manufacturers Pavilion.

According to the recent Bibby barometer small business survey only 20% of small and medium businesses (SMEs) plan to invest in their businesses in the coming year, down from 30% in February 2012 and 33% in July 2011.

Small and Medium Enterprises will have more opportunity to build their capabilities from resources projects after today’s Third Resources Sector Supplier Advisory Forum according to minister.ret.gov.au

In the past 12 months the survival of 22% of SMEs was threatened due to cash flow shortages, according to the latest Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey.