CCI in Commonwealth business program

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has been selected as one of 10 organisations to provide business advice as part of the federal government’s new entrepreneurs infrastructure program.

The initiative was one of the policies announced in the Industry, Innovation and Competitiveness white paper earlier this year, with a network of advisers across the country selected to consult businesses on ways to improve their competitiveness and productivity.

This approach, of advice and assistance, has been favoured over giving direct financial grants, according to the federal government.

Advisers have been drawn from industry, with CCI hosting four in WA and one in the NT.

They five will specialise in: medical technologies and pharmaceuticals; mining equipment, technology and services; oil, gas and energy resources; advanced manufacturing; and food and agribusiness.

CCI chief executive Deidre Willmott said it was a natural extension of the body’s existing services.

“CCI’s vision is to make Western Australia a world-leading place to live and do business, through the government’s entrepreneurs’ infrastructure programme our advisers will offer an efficient service to help seize the opportunities that will make that vision a reality,” she said.

“Western Australia’s future success will require innovation, and CCI believes that involves encouraging entrepreneurs and a thriving small business sector.”

Other organisations selected to facilitate the program included the Australian Industry Group and CSIRO.