The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has stepped up its focus on small businesses, today launching an enterprise network to assist small business owners.
CCIWA today launched the Small Enterprise Network (SEN) at Scarfo Meating Place, which is member of SEN, and appointed leading WA restauranteur Kate Lamont's as the network's chairman.
SEN's primary focus will be to provide advice and practical support to businesses that employ up to 30 staff.
"It's broader than networking. SEM will tailor to small businesses needs," Ms Lamont told WA Business News.
"CCI broadly offers that practical advice but SEM is a renewed focus on issues that are particularly around small business. There's an argument that business is business small or large but at the end of the day it's the way that advice is delivered and I think SEM will bring a renewed focus to CCI about the way they deliver that advice."
"SEM is independent of CCI - it will speak with its own voice and have a separation in terms of genuine focus on issues that surround small business rather than that broad brush approach."
Small business makes up more than 80 per cent of all businesses in Western Australia, making small businesses critical to the success of the local economy.
SEN manager Andrew Canion said there are a number of issues at the forefront for small businesses in WA leading to the need for increased support.
"Changes to Australia's industrial relations system, including new awards, and the threat of a return to severe labour shortages are some of the many challenges facing business owners. The time has come for small business to get the support and recognition they deserve," he said in a statement.