eNewsletter Issue 15 

This newsletter provides current news and events on the programs and activities the Business and Industry Development Branch of the Chief Minister’s Department delivers to the ACT business community.

SMALL BUSINESS ‘SCHMOOZES’ WITH CANBERRA BUSINESSPOINT

Members of the ACT small business community were joined by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope at the annual Canberra BusinessPoint and Schmooze networking event held at the ACT Legislative Assembly in late March. >> More

FORUM ON THE NEW NATIONAL BUSINESS NAMES REGISTRATION SYSTEM

The Australian Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research cordially invites you to a briefing on the proposed new national business names registration system which is due to start in the first half of 2011. >> More

ACT GOVERNMENT INPUTS TO SMALL BUSINESS MINISTERIAL COUNCIL MEETING

ACT Government officials have been taking part in meetings to plan the agenda and provide substance for discussions at the annual Small Business Ministerial Council (SBMC), this year to be held in Melbourne on 6 August. >> More

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OF SMALL BUSINESS AGENCIES (NESBA)

The National Executive of Small Business Agencies (NESBA), whose members are senior representatives of all state/territory government agencies that provide services and programs to small business, recently held its biennial meeting. >> More

ELECTRIC VEHICLE NETWORK PLANS PROGRESSING

A business lunch hosted by Canberra Business Council has confirmed progress on plans to deliver the Canberra component of a national electric vehicle (EV) network. Senior representatives of both partners in the enterprise – Geoff Zippel, Head of Deployment for Better Place Australia and Michael Costello, CEO ActewAGL – presented at the event. >> More

PLANT RESEARCH CENTRE ATTRACTS RESEARCH TALENT AND USA FUNDING

The Canberra node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility continues to enhance its reputation as an international leader in plant research. >> More

DAVID GAUL NAMED AN AUSTRALIAN EXPORT HERO

David Gaul, co-founder and former Managing Director of local company CEA Technologies, will receive an Australian Export Heroes Award following nomination by the ACT Exporters’ Network. >> More

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM LAUNCHED

A new student ambassador program aims to position Canberra globally as a ‘first choice' education destination and provide support for international students studying in Canberra. >> More

NEW REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA ACT COMMITTEE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Appointments to the new Regional Development Australia (RDA) ACT Committee are expected to be announced by mid-June, after expressions of interest closed on 12 April. >> More

IT CONFERENCE PITS PROS AGAINST SCHOOL KIDS

Old and new IT exponents wrestled over robots at the annual conference of the Australian Computer Society Canberra in late March. >> More

OECD INNOVATION STRATEGY ROUNDTABLE HELD IN CANBERRA

More than 100 participants from business, education, research and government around Australia and New Zealand attended a two-day roundtable discussion on innovation strategy organised by the OECD in Canberra on 25 and 26 February. >> More

MALTA GOVERNMENT TAPS INTO ACT EXPERTISE

The Government of Malta’s investment agency has visited Canberra to exchange ideas on investment programs and initiatives. >> More

ACT AND HONG KONG BUSINESSES CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Canberra and Hong Kong businesses came together on March 15 to celebrate the 2010 Chinese New Year, ushering in the Chinese zodiac year of the Tiger. >> More

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on any of the above news items, please contact us by—

A full description of the Business and Industry Development Branch’s programs can be viewed at: www.business.act.gov.au 

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