$4.1 Million Package to Support Small Business and Industry

25th May, 2017

Roger Jaensch, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Trade and Red Tape Reduction

The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises that small business is the engine room of Tasmania’s economy employing more than 100,000 Tasmanians right across our State.

With the Budget back in balance we can continue to support this vital part of our economy with more than $4 million over four years to help small businesses prosper and create more jobs.

The 2017-18 State Budget includes:

$2 million over two years towards the Small Business Grants to Support Apprentices and Trainees program to assist small business to employ more new staff that are ideally suited to their business. The program recognises the importance of the small business sector in the creation of new apprenticeships and traineeships and will provide incentive payments of up to $4000 upon successful completion of major milestones in the first two years of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

This announcement builds on our commitment of $600,000 in the 2016-17 Budget to provide practical assistance to help small business to employ more apprentices and trainees.

$900,000 over two years to attract and form a new Start-Up Accelerator Program in Tasmania to help foster new and innovative business ideas. The program will both leverage and build on Tasmania’s start-up ecosystem and attract and support cutting edge start-up businesses to develop and grow in Tasmania.

An additional $1.1 million over four years to support Enterprize Hubs. Established with Government support in the former Mercury building in Hobart and in Macquarie House in Launceston Enterprise Hubs will provide events, training and hands-on mentoring to develop prestart-up and early stage business opportunities.

Additional funding of $50,000 to improve the ability and capacity of the Tasmanian Small Business Council to engage with both the Government and its members on the take up of government programs to ensure that the benefits are maximised for Tasmania’s small business community.

$900,000 over four years to help businesses to become Digital Ready. The program aims to assist small businesses to participate in the digital economy by providing targeted knowledge, skills and advice. The program will be available to all small business operators and include a specific focus on the tourism and hospitality sectors to improve participation in the visitor and sharing economies.

$115,000 for Crime Stoppers Shoplifting Awareness campaign to help tackle shoplifting and related crimes which have a dramatic impact on a business’ bottom line. This 12-month evidence-based campaign will be developed and implemented in collaboration with the retail sector and the wider community.

The Hodgman Liberal Government is Building Tasmania’s Future by working closely with business owners and industry to ensure our vital small business sector can continue to grow and create jobs.