26 August 2010 eNews Issue 19

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. 

BUSINESS IN FOCUS MONTH SEPTEMBER 2010

Business In Focus Month 2010, the annual program of business events for the ACT, is here – more than 50 events will be presented throughout the month, and 34 event partners are on board to present them. Some highlight events are included below, and be sure to check out the online calendar of events for the full program of events. >> More

CANBERRA'S STRATSEC NAMED AUSTRALIA'S BEST BUSINESS

Canberra company stratsec has been named as Australia's best business, winning the coveted Australian Business of the Year Award at this year's National Telstra Business Awards. >> More

NEW SCIENCE COMMUNICATION ROLE TO HELP INSPIRE AUSTRALIA

A new part-time position created for the ACT aims to stimulate appreciation of the role and benefits of science and research in the local and national community. >> More

PUSH FOR DEFENCE EXPORTS TO INDIA

ACT companies may be in-line to benefit from an Australian drive into India’s defence-related procurement market. >> More

ICT INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) announced the winners of its iAwards for excellence in ICT for 2010 on August 5. >> More

EDUCATION TRADE MISSION TO SHANGHAI

Following on from the ACT Government-led trade mission to China in July, preparations are under way for an Education Mission to Shanghai and Guangzhou in September led by Minister Andrew Barr. >> More

INNOVATIONACT WINNERS ANNOUNCED

InnovationACT has awarded more than over $50,000 in prizes to winners in their third annual Business Planning Competition. >> More

BUSINESS IN FOCUS MONTH 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS – TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

The ACT Government has partnered with Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre to present a seminar for local organisations to show how accessing business support programs can help you on your pathway to success. There is an opportunity to hear successful people share real examples of how this support has helped their businesses and gain tips on how best to approach available support from all levels of Government.

Representatives from business support programs will be available on hand to answer your questions about the wide range of available support.

Date: Tuesday 7 September 2010
Time: 5pm to 6.30pm panel session, followed by networking from 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: The Brassey Hotel, Belmore Gardens & Macquarie Street, Barton
Who should attend: Decision makers from new and established small and medium businesses who would like information on the assistance government programs can provide.
Cost: FREE
Bookings are essential. RSVP to sharyn.smith@act.gov.au

ACT CHIEF MINISTER'S EXPORT AWARDS – WEDNESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

The ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards are the Territory's most prestigious business awards for exporters. They acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets. Winners of the 2010 ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards will progress to the 48th Australian Export Awards as national finalists and compete for the opportunity to win the coveted Prime Minister's Australian Exporter of the Year Award. 

Date: Wednesday 8 September 2010
Time: 12pm for 12.30pm to 2pm
Cost: $85 or $800 for a table of ten.
Venue: Federation Ballroom, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla.
Bookings are essential via www.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au External Link
Contact: Jodie McCarthy on 02 6247 4199 or jodie.mccarthy@canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au

More information: www.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au External Link or www.exportawards.gov.au/act External Link

CHANGING FUTURE: CREATING RESILIENT BUSINESSES – THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

The Business Expansion Series. Presentations from experts and 'war stories' from entrepreneurs on: managing the effects of exponential and unplanned growth; insuring continuity of leadership; and heeding signals of financial difficulty. 

Date: Thursday 9 September 2010
Time: 9am to 12pm with luncheon to follow until 1pm
Cost: $50 includes morning tea and luncheon
Venue: Canberra Business Promotion Centre, Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Acton
Bookings are essential via www.eventbrite.com/event/603428872 External Link

Contact: Cindy Reese Mitchell on 02 6163 8300 or enquiries@lighthouse.com.au

SMALL AND MICRO BUSINESS FORUM: BUILDING HUMAN RESOURCE CAPABILITY – TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

Learn from three successful local businesses about how they have handled the people and talent issues that have confronted them. This forum will cover matters like finding and retaining skilled people, keeping your skills up as an owner manager, training options and approaches, where demographic change is taking us and related issues like succession planning. This is a great opportunity to hear about and contribute to these issues. Participants will also take part in mini workshops to develop new ideas and solutions.

Date: Tuesday 14 September 2010
Time: 5.15 for 5.30pm to 7pm followed by networking
Pre-Forum Discussion Hour – from 4.30pm to 5.30pm ACT Government representatives from various agencies will be available on a one to one basis to discuss your business issues.
Cost: FREE
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Parkes Place, Parkes
Bookings are essential via online registration

Contact: Maryanne Honeyman on 02 6205 8602 or maryanne.honeyman@act.gov.au

 ACT TALL POPPIES AWARDS - TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise the achievements of Australia's outstanding young scientific researchers for excellence in research and record in community engagement.

Date: Tuesday 14 September
Time: 6.30pm
Cost: FREE
Venue: Great Hall, Unviversity House, The Australian National University
Bookings are essential.
Contact: Camille Thomson on 02 9351 0818 or tallpoppies@aips.net.au

More information: www.aips.net.au External Link

GOING GREEN: WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? – MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

Increase your business income AND help the environment! Come along to this exciting forum for small to medium sized businesses and hear about how other local businesses have adopted environmentally sustainable practices that have built their business profits. The ACT and Commonwealth will also be there to provide information on programs currently available to support green business practices. This event concludes with a networking session over a light supper.

Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Time: 5.30pm to 7pm
Cost: FREE
Venue: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton
Bookings are essential.
Contact: Liz Veitch on 02 6173 7004 or liz.veitch@rdaact.org.au

More information: www.rdaact.org.au External Link

BUSINESS IN FOCUS MONTH FINALE – THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

Robyn Moore from How Green Was My Cactus, returns to add her unique touch to the last event of the month. Enjoy the elegant surroundings of the Boathouse by the Lake, unwind and celebrate the achievements of the second Business In Focus Month.

Date: Thursday 30 September 2010
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Cost: FREE
Venue: Boathouse by the Lake, Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton
Bookings are essential.

Contact: Maryanne Honeyman on 02 6205 8602 or maryanne.honeyman@act.gov.au

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 Unit’s programs can be viewed at: www.business.act.gov.au 

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