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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.

 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - ACT SCREEN INVESTMENT FUND

The first funding round of the ACT Screen Investment Fund for 2011 is now open for applications. Applicants with eligible screen projects seeking production investment funding are encouraged to apply. >> More

ICON CHANGES - HIGHER THRESHOLDS, MORE COMPANIES ELIGIBLE

Following recommendations put forward by the InnovationConnect (ICon) Assessment Panel, changes have been made to the ICon program that increase the range of companies eligible for assistance. >> More

NEW EVENT FOR CANBERRA FESTIVAL - ENLIGHTEN

The ACT Government is making final preparations for a new annual major event that will premiere in March to coincide with the Canberra Festival. Enlighten: See Canberra in a whole new light aims to showcase the nation's capital and drive visitation to the ACT. >> More

SKILLED AND BUSINESS MIGRATION UPDATE

As part of the ACT Government's skills strategy, the Skilled and Business Migration (SBM) Unit and Live in Canberra team actively promote Canberra as a destination of choice for skilled migrants and business investment opportunities. >> More

NICTA UPDATE

In December, NICTA presented an update of progress on project activities at the Canberra Research Lab. >> More

COMMONWEALTH STATES AND TERRITORIES ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INNOVATION MEETING

State and Territory representatives attended the Commonwealth States and Territories Advisory Council on Innovation (CSTACI) Meeting in December 2010. The meeting was an opportunity for each state and territory to seek input or provide updates on new and existing programs and initiatives. >> More

NATIONAL MANAGER APPOINTED TO WOMEN IN GLOBAL BUSINESS INITIATIVE

Following the recent launch of the Whole of Government National Women in Global Business Initiative, a National Manager has been appointed to establish and deliver the program. >> More

A PERMANENT NATIONAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP

At the ministerial Council for International Trade held late last year, Ministers agreed to establish a permanent National Trade Development Working Group (NTDWG). The first meeting of the DTDWG was held in December 2010. >> More

NATIONAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD

The twice yearly National Investment Advisory Board met in Adelaide in December 2010. The meeting focused on key investment issues, including the identification of state and national sector investments priorities. >> More

BUSINESS VALUE ACT GOVERNMENT TRADE SUPPORT

The success of the ACT Government's trade facilitation was highlighted at a focus group on international business collaboration, convened by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research late last year. >> More

TCON RECIPENT SELECTED BY U.S. DEAPRTMENT OF DEFENSE

Kord Defence announced in January that its mobile device interface technology has been selected for evaluation by the U.S. Department of Defense. >> More

PILOT SMS AND ONLINE PROMOTION CAMPAIGN

Business and Industry Development has engaged local IT firm myinfoQ to develop a pilot promotional campaign for the ACT Government's business support services. >> More

INSPIRING AUSTRALIA - ACT UPDATE

An Inspiring Australian Project Officer for the ACT was appointed late last year to work collaboratively with the ACT Government, the Federal Government and local organisations to support the Inspiring Australia initiative in the ACT. >> More

CITYSWITCH REBATES FOR COST OF NABERS ENERGY RATING

CitySwitch Green Office is a national program that works with office tenants committed to improving energy efficiency for a positive impact on climate change. It is Australia's only national energy efficiency program that works directly with office tenants, rather than building owners. The program provides national and local promotion of organisations that are committed to reducing energy use >> More

DR FIONA WOOD AT THE FIRST INSPIRING AUSTRALIA ACT ANNUAL DINNER

Dr Fiona Wood AM, is world renowned for her patented invention of spray on skin for burn victims, a treatment which is continually developing. >> More

CEBIT AUSTRALIA 2011

CeBIT Australia returns for its 10th consecutive year from 31 May - 2 June at Sydney's Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. >> More

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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