AusIndustry Special Feature
AusIndustry, the Commonwealth Government’s business unit in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, provides a range of incentives for Australian business to foster investment and become more innovative and internationally competitive.
With a dedicated team of about 400 people, AusIndustry is committed to providing excellent, cost-effective and user friendly services. Through its state, territory, and regional offices, AusIndustry delivers around 25 products with a total value of about $1.7 billion to some 9,000 customers annually.
As part of extending AusIndustry’s capital city network, the Government established 14 regional offices across Australia to raise the level of awareness of Commonwealth business assistance in their respective areas. They also help businesses in these locations to make better use of the appropriate Government programs such as the R&D Tax Concession, and the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grants program.
AusIndustry’s products are grouped under the five broad streams of Innovation, Venture Capital, General Industry Incentives, Industry-Specific Incentives, and Small Business Support, and come in the form of grants, loans, tax concessions, duty concessions, and support for investments by venture capital firms.
The R&D Tax Concession encourages Australian industry to undertake more research and development by allowing them deductions on qualifying expenditure incurred on research and development activities when lodging their corporate tax return. A new measure, the R&D Tax Rebate allows small companies to obtain a rebate equivalent to the 125 per cent R&D Tax Concession and, where eligible, the 175 per cent Premium R&D Tax Concession, when their tax liabilities are assessed. From 1 July 2002, small businesses will be able to claim a cash rebate for research and development.
Venture capital programs include the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program, which is a competitive merit based grants program delivered by private sector Business Advisers. COMET provides funding to increase the commercialisation of innovative products, processes and services, by providing individuals, early stage growth firms, and spin-off companies with a tailored package of support to improve their potential for successful commercialisation.
Further information on AusIndustry products can be obtained by visiting the website at www.ausindustry.gov.au or by calling the AusIndustry HotLine, 13 28 46, for the cost of a local call.
Commonwealth support for small business
The Commonwealth Government recognises the important economic and social role played by small business in Australia, and is committed to helping these businesses grow and achieve their full potential. Small businesses employ about 50 per cent of Australia’s workforce.
AusIndustry, the Government’s business unit in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, is responsible for administering targeted small business programs, such as the Small Business Enterprise Culture Program, the Small Business Incubator Program and the Small Business Answers Program. These programs are part the Government’s $60 million Small Business Assistance program designed to foster the growth of small businesses across Australia, particularly in regional areas.
The Small Business Enterprise Culture Program aims to develop and enhance the business skills of small business owner managers and demonstrate the contribution that such skills can make to business viability and growth. It does this by providing competitive grants for initiatives designed to enhance small businesses’ access to skills development and mentoring.
The Small Business Incubator Program provides funding to not-for-profit organisations to help meet the infrastructure and set-up costs of new small business incubators. Small business incubators assist start-up and developing new businesses by providing shared premises and business services, as well as intensive business advice and support. Tenant businesses are provided with an initial place of operation and a supportive environment in which to grow their business, before graduating into the wider business community.
The Small Business Answers Program provides financial grants to organisations that aim to provide referral and advisory services to small business owners and managers.
For further information on these and other AusIndustry’s products visit the website at www.ausindustry.gov.au or call the AusIndustry Hotline, 13 28 46.
Business Entry Point now making it even easier to deal with government
The Business Entry Point (BEP) website was relaunched on October 30 after undergoing major redevelopment. BEP, which is entering its fifth year, has had changes to the content, functionality, and the look and feel of the site to ensure that it remains highly relevant and useful to Australian small business.
The overall intention of the project was to make dealing with government a little easier. The new site has relevant information for businesses from all levels of government – Commonwealth, State and Local. Information is grouped under subject headings that are meaningful to business operators. These include: starting a business; taxation; employing staff; grants and financial assistance; home based business; and selling to government.
The website was developed after extensive consultation with businesses and other organisations which visit the site regularly, and focused heavily on the user interface and useability testing. The new site has placed an emphasis on integrating new products and features from the past 12 months, including the following.
Incorporating running your business content as the main content type
This content is logically grouped into business processes and follows the same structure as the information used in BEP content syndication. The redevelopment ensures this is the primary content type, taking advantage of the value added service BEP provides.
Packaging transactions through Transaction Manager
This tool allows business to find and complete government transactions, store their business profiles, and print a history of the transactions they have undertaken.
Integration of a Jargon Buster
The Jargon Buster provides an easy to understand list of government and business terms and acronyms, and aims to take the guesswork out of the terms used on the website.
Providing a newer and more contemporary look and feel
In line with current web trends, this redevelopment makes the BEP interface more inviting and welcoming. The revised look moves the BEP away from the current site towards a more component based approach.
It is through partnerships with government at all levels that BEP continues to provide a relevant and quality service to the small business community.
For further information please visit www.business.gov.au.
