3/4/02
Small businesses throughout the State are set to reap the rewards of a record $1.3million in funding to increase the skills within small businesses.
Training Minister John Kobelke today announced the funding as part of the 'Small Business Smart Business' program, which will include metropolitan small businesses for the first time.
The initiative gives enterprises employing less than 20 people the opportunity to receive a $200 voucher towards an approved training program relevant to their business.
Nearly 6,500 vouchers will be made available State-wide, as part of the Gallop Government's support for small business and help to secure jobs.
Mr Kobelke said according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), up to 50 per cent of small businesses either wanted to, or should, undertake training.
"Small Business Smart Business is designed to encourage those businesses to undertake training by giving them not only a financial incentive, but assistance in locating and enrolling in the correct course," he said.
"Training helps businesses survive by improving productivity, increasing profit and cutting costs."
Mr Kobelke said small business was the backbone of the State's economy. About 97 per cent of WA businesses were small businesses, employing about 50 per cent of the State's workforce.
"This program will provide a much needed boost for small business," he said.
"Small Business Smart Business will stimulate employment growth by encouraging small business to access training that will lead to increased productivity, creating more jobs in the process.
"I encourage small business operators to consider undertaking some training for themselves or a staff member."
The program was originally piloted in the South-West in 2000, and expanded to include all regional centres last year. However, this year it will be extended to the metropolitan area to ensure all Western Australian small businesses have access to the program.
Last year, the majority of regional businesses used their vouchers for computing and information technology or business and management training courses.
The program has been funded by the Department of Training but would be managed by the Small Business Development Corporation using the network of 27 regional and 10 metropolitan Business Enterprise Centres (BECs).
To take advantage of the offer, businesses should contact their local BEC which will help them establish the best course to meet their training needs and assess their eligibility for the scheme.
Businesses wanting information about the scheme can use Freecall 1800 093 340.
Minister's office: 9222 9211
