27 November 2015

, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade

Sensis Stepping Up Grants announced

The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of small business because of the vital role it plays in Tasmania’s economic performance and future.

There are more than 36,000 small businesses operating in Tasmania employing about 105,000 people (44 per cent of the workforce) which deliver products and services that grow our economy and add to the liveability of our cities and regional communities.

Today I was delighted to partner with Sensis to announce the eight recipients of the Sensis Stepping Up Grant Program for Tasmanian small to medium sized businesses.

The recipients will each receive a grant of $10,000 towards purchasing the tools they need to grow their businesses such as staff training, software upgrades or new equipment.

The 2015 Sensis Stepping Up Grant recipients in each category are:

• Customer Service
  • Vanessa Richardson, owner Waubs Bay Gallery, Bicheno
  • Ashley Kendall, owner Battleaxe Games and Entertainment, Huonville
• Innovation and Technology
  • Gary McMurtie, owner New Things Now, Beaumaris
  • Sheridan Lee, owner Tasmanian Buffalo, Preston
• Business Growth
  • Libby Monks, Juan Cordero Gomez and Jane Monks – partners Ciguena Bebe, Moonah
  • Matthew Allen, Resource Work Cooperative, South Hobart
• Start Up & Emerging
  • Brendan and Clare Dean, owners Port Arthur Lavender Farm, Port Arthur
  • Corey Newton, owner and baker Philadelphia Bakers, Taroona.

Congratulations to each of these winners and I encourage other businesses to get involved with future programs.

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