Productivity centres open for business

Australian Industry Productivity Centres (AIPC) are now open for business, providing services to help Australian businesses strengthen their operations, enhance their international competitiveness and tap into global supply chains.

Announcing the opening of the centres in Melbourne today, Australian Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the centres would give practical assistance to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to ensure they thrive in an increasingly global business environment.

"Australia's SMEs need skills, technologies and business strategies to compete, both at home and globally," Mr Macfarlane said.

“The AIPC program is expected to help up to 2,500 businesses each year, particularly those SMEs that are trade exposed within the manufacturing and services sectors.”

"With state managers in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Launceston, Adelaide and Perth, and a team of 45 business advisers in the field, eligible Australian SMEs, no matter where they are located, will be able to access the productivity centre services."

"From today, SMEs will have access to a free Business Review service to assess their performance and identify opportunities for improvement,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Following recommendations from the Business Review, businesses will be eligible for a matched grant of up to $20,000 to undertake improvements, or introduce new technologies and processes.

For more information, or to book a Business Review, visit www.productivitycentres.gov.au or call 131 791.