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Farmers and SMEs can benefit from the Industry Skills Fund

13 July 2015

From protecting your farm operations with comprehensive crop insurance to ensuring your small business has the technology it needs to compete in today's markets, Australia's enterprises are constantly making improvements and strategic decisions to stay ahead of the game.

Sometimes, a little additional training or support services can be all it takes to help boost productivity, enhance performance and drive innovative thinking. That's the impetus behind the government's $476 million Industry Skills Fund - Growth Stream, a source of financing that forms one part of the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.

The purpose of the funding is to help enterprises invest in the training and support services they need to develop a skilled workforce well prepared to seize opportunities for growth and respond to technological disruption.

Eligible organisations can apply for skills advice and training grants. While they must also contribute financially to the project, they'll receive financial assistance to make the training endeavour more feasible.

Applications from businesses in a number of sectors will receive priority: Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies in specific industries - including food and agribusiness - receive preference because they're operating in fields where Australia has a competitive advantage.

Not sure how to get started with this opportunity? An upcoming workshop could provide the information you need to put a solid plan in place. As Sunshine Coast Daily reported, the Industry Skills Fund Growth Stream Workshop will be held on July 15 at the Lake Kawana Community Centre. This event will provide some case studies and one-on-one consultations to guide attendees on how the fund could support their business growth.

Between investing in the skill development of your workforce and making sure you have business cover to safeguard your assets, a proactive approach helps you plan for your company's stability well into the future.

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