SMEs in Australia

SMEs account for more than 95 per cent of companies in Australia. Collectively SMEs are therefore a significant customer segment for financial services providers. This report examines the structure of the SME market in Australia and the financial services needs of companies of this size. It also questions how financial institutions can serve the Australian SME market

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)

The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is the Australian Government's principal financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. The scheme is administered by Austrade and is aimed at encouraging small and medium sized Australian businesses to develop export markets by reimbursing up to 50 per cent of eligible export promotion expenses above a threshold of $15,000.

Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program will provide grants to improve the business enterprise culture of TCF small businesses. The program is specifically aimed at TCF small businesses unable to receive assistance under the TCF (SIP) Scheme or the TCF Post-2005 (SIP) Scheme. It is competitive and merit-based with a maximum grant of $50,000 provided to each successful project. Funding of $2.5 million is available per year over a ten year period, commencing in 2006/07.

Australian Government Initiatives and Contacts for Small Business

As a small business, you may be eligible to access a significant range of assistance programs including business advisory and referral services. You may also be able to benefit from a range of tax concessions, export finance and insurance services, workplace services and Job Network services.

Such assistance is delivered through various Australian Government departments and agencies, detailed information about which can easily be accessed either by a number of toll-free telephone services or websites

Related sites

business.gov.au offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business.

The Australian Businesswomen's Network provides business education for women across Australia and facilitates opportunities for them to network, learn and be inspired by role models and by each other.Our mission is to be your No. 1 resource for making contacts, growing your business and being successful in your own business. We understand your wants and joys because we work with thousands of women just like you, all year around.

AusIndustry is the Australian Government's business program delivery division in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources and it provides a range of incentives to support business innovation.

AusIndustry delivers a range of more than 30 business products, including innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business services, and support for industry competitiveness worth nearly $2 billion each year to about 10,000 small and large businesses.

The Business Licence Information Service (BLIS) is a free service that provides details of all licences you may require to operate your business in Australia, including Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local Government requirements.

Whether you are running a business or thinking of starting one, BLIS will help you to find out easily which licences and permits you need for that business - or any other activities related to that type of business

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