TCF firms strike it rich
NATIONAL: Pay day has come early for more than 70 textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) businesses across the country after the federal government dished out $2.5 million in funding earlier this month.
The grants, issued in round three of the government's TCF Small Business Program, provide a total of $25 million in funding over a 10-year period to TCF businesses seeking to improve their business enterprise culture.
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr, whose department is responsible administering the grants, said a total of 162 applications were received from TCF companies by the time applications closed in February.
New South Wales and Victorian companies received the lion's share of the funds, accounting for 59 of the 71 successful applications. Projects in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland received just 14 per cent (or $355,221) of the available money.
Branding appeared to be a key concern for a number of applicants with high-end Sydney designer Kirrily Johnston, whose self-titled label received $47,000, among those aiming to use the money to "balance market focus with improved operational effectiveness".
Likewise e-retailing also seems to be a key focus for many TCF companies with Huggalugs, Leopold's Empire, Mill & Mia, Zoo Emporium and Geirgette Tahche all putting their allocated funds towards improving their ecommerce systems. Melbourne label Anna Thomas received $42,000 to implement an inhouse pattern making system while Vixen Australia, which received $31,000, will use its grant to digitalise its design and sampling processes.
Under the conditions of the scheme the biggest amount offered to any company is $50,000 and this was awarded to 10 companies - including Ginger & Smart, Paper Wings, Deft Division, Canon Fashion and Bespoke Design Concept - for projects ranging from branding through to supply chain integration.
The smallest project approved was for South Australian company Jody Lee Platford which was given $9,920 to alter its manufacturing processes. Senator Carr said the program helped TCF small businesses transform their business culture by moving from an inward business focus to becoming enterprising leaders in designing and manufacturing TCF.
"The quality of the applications demonstrates that small business operators in this vibrant sector clearly see the opportunities for innovation. Innovation is critical to not only the prosperity of the TCF industry, but Australia as a whole. It is the key to securing high-wage, high-skilled jobs now and in the future."
To be considered for the scheme, eligible companies had to have fewer than 20 employees and manufacture or design their product in Australia. Applications from companies that received assistance under the Structural Investment Program (SIP) were deemed ineligible.
By Tracey Porter