Federal Govt to fund North West business advisory service

The Federal Government will pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into new business advisory services for tourism in the North West under its Northern Australia Tourism Initiative.

The plan, announced by Durack MHR Melissa Price today, will see $600,000 each spent over three years on the Karratha Business Enterprise Centre and Small Business Centre East Kimberley.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Pilbara and East Kimberley’s local tourism small businesses and start-ups would benefit from the appointments of new Australian Small Business Advisory Services.

“The grants are designed to build the capacity of established not-for-profit small business advisory services to provide low-cost advice to tourism small businesses and start-ups,” she said.

“The Government wants to make sure that small businesses in Australia’s north have the information and expertise to support them to make the most of opportunities in tourism.

“The seven successful organisations are being offered a total of $4.6 million over three years.”

Ms Price said the funding would increase the capacity of successful organisations to provide expert, tailored advice to small businesses seeking to increase their success in the tourist market.

The advisory service is expected to begin in May.

The Northern Australian Tourism Initiative builds on the existing ASBAS programme delivered across Australia.