NATIONAL: Designers and manufacturers looking to improve their business enterprise culture have been urged to apply for Round 3 of the Textile Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program.
Small businesses in the TCF sector can apply for grants of up to $50 000 through the federal government program with a total of $2.5 million available through this round.
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research said the program aimed to boost the competitiveness of smaller Australian designers and manufacturers, both domestically and abroad.
"This program provides support for small designers and manufactures through mentoring of small business owners, marketing and branding, e-commerce and development of export opportunities," Senator Carr said.
The TCF Small Business program is a competitive, merit-based grants scheme open to any eligible TCF small business that has fewer than 20 employees and undertakes eligible TCF activities as defined by the TCF Post-2005 (SIP) Scheme.
Successful applicants include womenswear brand camilla & marc, designer Stephanie Cranford and accessory label Agatha & Me.
Applications for Round 3 close on 5 February 2008.
For full details on the program and eligibility criteria: ausindustry.gov.au or 13 28 46.
PHOTO: WENDELL TEODORO