Federal funding shows small business is key to Australia’s big picture

Australia’s peak body for small business advice says the Gillard Government’s decision to renew funding of the Small Business Advisory Services program shows it understands how vital small business is to the nation’s future, says Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA) chairman Jack Hughes.

The Small Business Advisory Service has provided advice and assistance to more than 207,000 small businesses around the country since it began in 2008, with Business Enterprise Centres at the forefront of service delivery thanks to a network of experience business advisors who understand small business at grass roots level.

“This decision to inject $12 million in funding over the next two years when external factors are placing great stress on the Australian budget, should send a strong signal to the small business sector that the government understands it is worthy of support for its significant role in our economy,” said Mr Hughes.

Appointment of Mark Brennan sends strong signals of support to Small Business in Australia

Australia’s peak body for small business has welcomed the appointment of Mark Brennan as the inaugural Federal Small Business Commissioner and believes the decision will boost confidence in the small business sector, says Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA) chairman Jack Hughes.

“Federal small business minister Brendan O’Connor has made another good decision in choosing Mr Brennan because he is a balanced and experienced candidate, with a proven track record of dealing with and understanding small business issues,” says Jack Hughes.

“The process of establishing this new role will involve navigating uncharted waters and we have every confidence that with Mr Brennan at the helm, the journey towards a fully functioning Office of the Small Business Commissioner will live up to expectations.

Federal Budget 2012: Swan and O’Connor Maintain Faith with Small Business Advisory Services

Australia’s peak body for small business says a modest cut to funding for the Small Business Advisory Service (SBAS) in the 2012 Federal Budget should be seen as a diligent and measured decision when viewed in the context of global economic conditions and pressure to make savings on the road to surplus, says Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA) chairman Jack Hughes.

Treasurer, Wayne Swan, and Small Business Minister, Brendan O’Connor, have decided to extend the SBAS for another four years, just weeks before it was to end on June 30.

“Everyone who understands small business knows the SBAS is a lifeline, particularly to new businesses, in providing free advice to help small business people make sound decisions as they navigate the challenges of the marketplace and labour market,” said Mr Hughes.

“It is clear the Gillard Government has made a tough decision in the national interest, by ensuring BECs can continue nurturing the small business sector through the SBAS, such a crucial act for ensuring any new recoveries do not stall.

“Admittedly, it will be painful bearing a cut in funding from $40 million over four years down to $27.5 million, but to be frank, with all the pressures on the budget there was a real likelihood of getting zero,” said Mr Hughes.

Rising to the Challenge: Small Business Ideas for Minister O’Connor

Australia’s peak body for small business will be submitting new ideas for the sector directly to government, after an open invitation was made by Australia’s first Small Business Minister with a seat in Cabinet, Brendan O’Connor, says Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA) chairman Jack Hughes.

Small Business Minister, Brendan O’Connor, has thrown down the gauntlet to critics who have bemoaned the fact he has never run a small business himself, by saying his door is open and he is ready to listen to arguments and suggestions from small business for new ideas and better ways for government to support the sector.

“BEC Australia is greatly encouraged by Minister O’Connor’s frankness and approach to his portfolio,” said Mr Hughes.