Enterprise Connect

Enterprise Connect, an Australian Government initiative in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Their aim is to connect your business to the knowledge, tools and expertise necessary to improve productivity, increase competitiveness and fully capitalise on the growth potential of your business.

Enterprise Connect focus on 6 core industries:

• manufacturing or related services
• resources technology
• defence
• clean energy
• creative industries
• remote Australia

Enterprise Connect Services

Services available after completing a business review

Eligibility

Who can access these services?

• Businesses in the manufacturing; manufacturing related services; resources technology; defence; clean energy; creative industries and remote Australia
• Turnover between $2m and $100m ($1m for creative/clean tech  industries; $1.5m in regional areas)
• An ACN, trading for three years and solvent.

More detailed information is available in the Client Guidelines.

Enterprise Connect – Free Business Review

Enterprise Connect will allocate eligible applicants with a  Business Adviser who will contact you to agree on a commencement date. You may request a specific business adviser and requests will be met where practicable.

The Business Review is a comprehensive analysis of your business, carried out on-site, by your Business Adviser. A Business Review will generally take three to four working days to complete, which may be spread over several months.  Your adviser will work with you with regard to a suitable timeline.

Business Advisers work with people throughout various operational levels of the business to develop a thorough view of, for example:

• the strengths and weaknesses of your business
• strategic business issues
• potential areas for business improvement
• potential areas for growth.

The Business Review is a collaborative process, with the Business Adviser and key people in the business working together to identify changes that could be made to increase the businesses productivity and competitiveness.

Each business receives a Business Review Report outlining these findings and recommended actions.

The Business Review will cost your business nothing, apart from your time.

Enterprise Connect – Tailored Advisory Service

Once you have had an Enterprise Connect Business Review you can apply for our Tailored Advisory Service (TAS) government grant.

The TAS government grant gives you the chance to engage a consultant/s to make the improvements that your Enterprise Connect Business Adviser recommended in your Business Review.  They will reimburse your business half the cost, up to a maximum of $20,000 (excluding GST), of engaging the consultant/s.

The types of improvements eligible for funding may include, but are not limited to;

• Supply chain management
• Business and quality management systems
• Lean manufacturing/office
• Strategic and business planning
• Resource management
• Waste/resource management
• People and change management
• New product/service development
• Diversification/economies of scope
• Market access and development
• Export strategy

We have a strong track record with assisting clients with strategic and business planning. If you think this government grant may assist your business, please contact us to discuss how we can help you further.

About WIIN

The Workshops, Industry Intelligence & Networking (WIIN) element of the Enterprise Connect initiative offers  government grants of up to $50,000 for eligible organisations to deliver workshops, seminars and a range of other activities to Australian small and medium businesses.

The WIIN program is a competitive government grants program that helps organisations to deliver seminars, workshops and other activities to small and medium sized businesses in the Enterprise Connect target markets.  The aim of WIIN is to provide relevant information on good business practices to help businesses reach their full potential.

WIIN helps firms improve their business by providing detailed, relevant new information and knowledge about a particular aspect of good business practice. A successful WIIN activity will improve a participating firm’s awareness of and ability to implement positive changes in their business.

How are the WIIN objectives to be achieved?

A WIIN activity can be delivered in a range of ways, including (but not limited to):

• seminars or workshops,
• best practice industry visits or demonstration projects,
• case studies,
• networking events,
• online or video conference delivery of seminars to regional centres, and
• bringing overseas industry experts to Australia for any or all of the above.

Enterprise Connect Target Markets

A business is in the Enterprise Connect target market if it is eligible for any Enterprise Connect service. WIIN activities should target small and medium-sized firms that operate in any of the following sectors:

• manufacturing,
• defence,
• resources,
• clean technology, and
• creative industries.

In addition, businesses operating in remote areas or in areas identified by the Enterprise Connect initiative as Innovative regions of Australia may also fall into the Enterprise Connect target market.

WIIN Round Five Themes

• Overcoming the Challenges facing Remote Australian Businesses
• Increasing the Competitiveness of Food and Beverage Processors in Local and Overseas Markets

Overcoming the Challenges facing Remote Australian Businesses

WIIN Round 5 is seeking applications for the delivery of activities to assist Australian remote businesses to
overcome the challenges created by their geographic location and increase their productivity, innovation and
market competitiveness.
These challenges include but are not limited to:

• smaller local markets,
• the “tyranny of distance” and its impact on accessing opportunities and business costs,
• attraction, recruitment and retention of staff,
• access to infrastructure,
• access to reliable IT and IT support,
• access to industry peer networks/associations, and
• access to business support, professional development opportunities and business advice.

Examples of remote locations include, Moree NSW, Katherine NT, Longreach Qld, Coober Pedy SA and
Broome WA.

Within the theme of overcoming the challenges facing remote businesses, the three topics are:

Business preparedness for  corporate supply chains

Areas addressed under this topic could include:

• opportunity identification understanding your key competencies,
• successful tender writing,
• quality assurance – what does it mean and what do large corporates expect,
• Australian Standards and ISO accreditation – why, when and how, and
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems – how they work and understanding the benefits implementing an ERP system.

Attracting, recruiting and  retaining staff

Areas addressed under this topic could include:

• attracting staff to remote areas advertising, identifying target markets, skilled migration, employment/salary packages, housing and child care,
• recruiting staff – face to face or remotely, periods of employment and job descriptions, and
• retaining staff – understanding employee needs, training and development opportunities, engaging staff in the business and career progression.

IT in remote Australia

Areas addressed under this topic could include:

• IT and its role in successful remote businesses,
• effective communication, and
• maximising the effectiveness of your website as a marketing and sales tool.

Increasing the Competitiveness of Food and Beverage Processors in Local and  Overseas Markets

WIIN Round 5 is seeking applications for the delivery of activities to assist Australian food and beverage  processors to increase their productivity, innovation and market competitiveness.
The food and beverage processing sector faces numerous challenges including:

• increasing demands for greater efficiency in processing and distribution to reduce cost and minimise waste,
• consumer demand for new product offerings with enhanced functionality, freshness and health benefits,
• the need to lift innovation in product, process, management and delivery to drive market growth and cost reduction,
• increasing input costs for raw materials, energy and water, and
• higher demands for product security and nutritional information.

New processing and formulation methodology to improve yield, taste, shelf life, functionality, health benefits and market growth.

Areas addressed under this topic  could include:

• new processing technology for margin improvement, product improvement and environmental sustainability, new packaging systems to improve shelf life, ease of usage, consumer acceptance and environmental sustainability,
• organic foods – fad or emerging market opportunity?, and
• probiotic, fibre and supplement additions and consumer acceptance.

Global opportunities for food and  beverage processors

Areas addressed under this topic  could include:

• trends in consumer food requirements/preferences and associated opportunities in overseas markets,
• case studies of successful overseas market launches and lessons learned,
• case studies of successful distribution and partnership arrangements in overseas markets,
• navigating the various overseas government agencies and associated requirements to gain market entry, and
• distribution models and market entry strategies in international markets.

Supply Chain Optimisation

Areas addressed under this topic  could include:

• engagement of suppliers and customers in the end to end supply chain,
• innovative delivery systems to reduce cost and improve spee of delivery,
• building sustainable supply chains,
• supply chain challenges and options in remote areas,
• cold chain compliance challenges and solutions, and
• business location – close to markets or suppliers, options and drivers.

More Information

• The WIIN Theme Information Document provides detailed information on the above themes and the topics under each theme.
• The WIIN Guidelines provide information on eligibility, grant arrangements, how to apply, WIIN merit criteria, the grant assessment process as well as WIIN frequently asked questions.
• Events for WIIN Round 5 will be delivered between 1 September 2011 and 30 November 2011.
• The application period for Workshops, Industry, Intelligence and Networking Round 5 opened on 14 April 2011.  The round will close at 5.00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 19 May 2011.

]]> http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/04/workshops-industry-intelligence-networking-wiin/feed/ 0 http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/01/enterprise-connect-wiin-round-4/ http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/01/enterprise-connect-wiin-round-4/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:41:56 +0000 Government Grant Guru http://www.government-grant.com.au/?p=2539

About WIIN

The Workshops, Industry Intelligence & Networking (WIIN) element of the Enterprise Connect initiative offers  government grants of up to $50,000 for eligible organisations to deliver workshops, seminars and a range of other activities to Australian small and medium businesses.

The WIIN program is a competitive government grants program that helps organisations to deliver seminars, workshops and other activities to small and medium sized businesses in the Enterprise Connect target markets.  The aim of WIIN is to provide relevant information on good business practices to help businesses reach their full potential.

WIIN helps firms improve their business by providing detailed, relevant new information and knowledge about a particular aspect of good business practice. A successful WIIN activity will improve a participating firm’s awareness of and ability to implement positive changes in their business.

How are the WIIN objectives to be achieved?

A WIIN activity can be delivered in a range of ways, including (but not limited to):

• seminars or workshops,
• best practice industry visits or demonstration projects,
• case studies,
• networking events,
• online or video conference delivery of seminars to regional centres, and
• bringing overseas industry experts to Australia for any or all of the above.

Enterprise Connect Target Markets

A business is in the Enterprise Connect target market if it is eligible for any Enterprise Connect service. WIIN activities should target small and medium-sized firms that operate in any of the following sectors:

• manufacturing,
• defence,
• resources,
• clean technology, and
• creative industries.

In addition, businesses operating in remote areas or in areas identified by the Enterprise Connect initiative as Innovative regions of Australia may also fall into the Enterprise Connect target market.

WIIN Round 4 Theme

Clean 21 – Preparing Australian business for a sustainable economy in the 21^st Century

WIIN Round 4 is seeking government grant applications for the delivery of activities to assist Australian business to increase productivity and market competitiveness by capitalising on the global economic restructuring around environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

This global shift will provide enormous scope for innovation in energy deployment, resource efficiency (energy, water and materials) and reducing our environmental footprint. It will provide the next great opportunity for productivity gains in the Australian economy and a vehicle to improve Australia’s international competitiveness.

Within the frameworks to guide climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, many businesses are positioning themselves to pursue new investment and business opportunities in response to concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Many Australian businesses are finding their supply chains are demanding greater sustainability accountability and new ways to deliver goods and services.

The enterprise level will lead this transition to more sustainable economic development and the development of a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the cleaner economy as they capitalise on this opportunity.

It is expected that WIIN round four activities will assist businesses in making decisions about the opportunities and technologies to improve their sustainability.

WIIN Round Four Topics

Within the theme of sustainability the three key topics will be:

Market and Supply chains

Which may include:

• Selling,
• Marketing,
• Sustainable new product development,
• Identifying embodied carbon in product, particularly inputs

Processes, production and service delivery

Which may include:

• Energy efficiency,
• Water efficiency,
• Resources efficiency,
• Data collection, measurement and analysis,
• Maximising waste value,
• Sustainable procurement.

Management and Leadership

Which may include:

• Developing a sustainable strategy,
• Culture change,
• Behaviour change,
• Business case development,
• ISO 14000 implementation,
• Sustainable design,
• Global reporting initiative (GRI), reporting tool

The Round 4 Information Document contains important detail on the objectives of WIIN, eligibility for grant arrangements, how to apply, WIIN merit criteria and the Round 4 theme and topics.

To apply complete the WIIN Round 4 Grant Application Form.

Applications close 5.00pm  on 21 February 2011

Are you looking to build on the outcomes of your Enterprise Connect Business Review?

As a business owner or manager who has already undertaken a Business Review, you are now faced with the challenge of implementing change in your business. Enterprise Learning and Mentoring allows you to learn from the experiences of others who have already met the challenge.

Enterprise Learning

Enterprise Learning workshops combine the host firms ‘hands-on’ experience in implementing improvement initiatives with the experience of a subject specialist, who can demonstrate how these changes can be implemented within your business. The workshops address:

• where to start
• how to put in place a process for achievement
• tips ‘n’ techniques
• what results to expect

The workshop is hosted by an owner/operator that has been through the Business Review process. With only 6-10 participating businesses per workshop, the emphasis is on assisting firms who have completed a Business Review, are looking to implement its recommendations, but are unsure of the next steps.
The host business identifies the key impediments and challenges it faced in implementing the Business Review recommendations. The owner/operator then explains how the business implemented a particular improvement and the  results.
Following this, a subject specialist delivers a two  hour workshop on practical first steps attendees  can immediately implement within their own  businesses.

Workshop topics

Enterprise Learning workshops will provide  guidance and support in the following areas:

• Strategic Business Activities
• Design
• Leadership and Organisational Culture
• Product and Service Development
• Production/Operation
• Advertising and Marketing
• Environmental Management Practises
• Exploring New Markets
• Financial Management
• Human Resources
• Internal Systems

Eligibility

To be eligible for Enterprise Learning, businesses must:

• have completed an Enterprise Connect
• Business Review or a review that is deemed equivalent by an Enterprise Connect Centre Director;
• have Enterprise Learning identified as an internal recommendation in their Business Review; or
• be invited to attend by an Enterprise Connect Centre.

Enterprise Learning workshops are run on a demand basis and are provided at no cost to the business.

Enterprise Mentoring

Enterprise Mentoring builds on the outcomes of the Enterprise Connect Business Review through informal learning sessions and one-on-one mentoring.

Enterprise Mentoring will support your business in implementing the recommendations of the Business Review. Utilising an independent and skilled external mentor, your business will be guided through the implementation of the Business Reviews internal recommendations and supported through the continuous improvement process.

Enterprise Mentoring is delivered at your business, over a six month period (1.5 hrs per month). One-to-one, the mentors will work with you to overcome the key impediments to the successful growth of your business.

How can a mentor assist me?

Mentors will share experiences and knowledge, provide an unbiased perspective and act as a sounding board. Mentors will introduce you to resources that can be used to achieve improvements in your business and assist you
with the development of key business skills.
Mentors will not actively participate in solving client problems directly, instruct the client in specific actions, or undertake tasks that would normally be considered part of a Tailored Advisory Service (TAS) consultant’s role.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Enterprise Mentoring, businesses must have:

• Completed an Enterprise Connect Business Review
• Have Enterprise Mentoring identified as an internal recommendation in their Business
• Review;
• Have undertaken an Enterprise Learning workshop, lodged an application for, or been approved for a TAS grant;
• Applied for the program within twelve months of completing an Enterprise Connect Business
• Review; and
• Have sufficient TAS grant funding remaining to cover the cost of a mentor.

Eligible businesses will have costs covered within maximum TAS grant funding eligibility of $20,000. Costs are dependent on the choice of mentor. There is no matching funding requirement for Enterprise Mentoring costs.

ELM Fact Sheets

Read the fact Sheets on Enterprise Learning and Enterprise Mentoring

Our staff are registered TAS providers as well as ELM providers. If you think this government grant may assist your business, please contact us to discuss how we can help you further.