You are here: Home > Investing in Canberra > Top 10 Reasons to do Business in Canberra

Top 10 Reasons to do Business in Canberra

Strong Government Support

The Australian Capital Territory Government supports business in many ways, from advice and mentoring programs to information facilities, network facilitation and trade development. The Australian Government also has an array of services to support Canberra business. Many industry associations are also headquartered in the national capital and can provide you with information and advice.

Close Links to Fast Growing Asian Markets

Canberra offers the ideal business location for global commpanies seekeng to access fast growing Asian markets. Japan and China are Australia's top two trading partners and Canberra has active sister city relationships with Beijing (China) and Nara (Japan). Our business day is closely aligned with Asian markets, and is one of the first centres to open in the Asian time zone - a trading day that bridges the closing of the US market and the opening of European markets.

A Vibrant and Resilient Economy

Australia has been consistently ranked as one of the most resilient economies in the world. In 2009, Australia was the only advanced economy in the world to record positive growth, demonstrating the strength of its economic fundamentals to quell the impact of the global financial crisis. During the economic downturn, the ACT was a star performer among advance economies globally and Australia's states/territories, with growth of 2.5 percent in 2009. Over the 10 years to June 2009, the ACT's Gross State Product increased by 40 per cent, compared with 36 per cent nationally.

A Highly Networked City

Canberra’s first class infrastructure - from its unique broadband telecommunication network to its road, rail and air links, supports business development. We have Australia’s most advanced fibre optic cable network, providing greater bandwidth, high speed internet and better capacity to link into e-commerce applications than anywhere in the world. Our transport network ensures short travel times, with well-maintained roads and little traffic congestion. Canberra is strategically located between the major state capitals of Melbourne and Sydney. Canberra International Airport is within 10 minutes of the central business district and offers benefits for both freight and passenger travel, including lower site costs and no airspace congestion.

A Highly Educated Workforce

Canberra has the most highly educated workforce in Australia. Of the ACT's population aged 15 to 64 years, 25 per cent have a bachelor's degree, compared with 16.4 per cent nationally. Professional and managerial employment in the ACT accounts for 45 per cent of all employment, compared with 33 per cent of employment Australia wide. In an age where knowledge-workers are the lifeblood of many an organisation, this makes the Australian capital an attractive choice.

An Innovative Culture

We are proud of our innovative culture and preparedness to embrace new and progressive technologies. Canberra has the highest concentration of knowledge-based activity in Australia, as ranked by the National Institute for Economic and Industry Research. It also ranks number one in the Global Knowledge Flows Indicator, having the highest ration of global knowledge flow workers with skills in ICT, international business and innovation. The Canberra region has the highest research expenditure intensity in Australia. In 2006-07, gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) in the ACT as a proportion of Gross State Product was four per cent, a percentage which exceeded the GERD/Gross Domestic Product ration of any OECD country. Canberra's world class universitites and research institutes complement knowledge based Canberra businesses.

Government Purchasing Power

Canberra is home to the biggest customer in Australia - The Australian Government. That means that all the Commonwealth and ACT Government purchasing power is on your doorstep. Being on the spot can help to close the deal for contracts ranging from individual consultancies to multi-billion dollar contracts.

A Cost Competitive Location

Canberra has one of the lowest office occupancy costs among major cities around the world. According to a business cost competitiveness study of Australian cities commissioned by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services in 2007, Canberra ranked the second lowest cost city in Australia for overall business costs. When compared with 95 cities around the world in the 100,000 to 500,000 population range, Canberra ranked the fifth lowest cost city. Businesses in Canberra enjoy a globally competitive corporate income tax rate of 30 per cent, significanly lower than the USA, Japan, India, France, South Africa and Canada.

Young, Affluent and Culturally Diverse

Canberra has a young, vibrant and growing population totalling 353,000 in 2010. The immediate region has a population of over 550,000. The median age of the current ACT population is 34.7 - lower than any other Australian state. This provides fertile ground for the employment of young, talented and energetic staff. In 2008-09, the gross household disposable income per capita was 50 per cent higher than the national average. Our multicultural population offers a microcosm of many of the world's populations, allowing forthe trial of new product and services against the preferences of many ethnic groups.

Excellent Quality of Life

Canberra is a beautiful, planned city and a great place to live. With low commuting times, a clean environment, sunny days and all the facilities you'd expect from a capital city, Canberra's quality of life is second to none. As a cosmopolitan city, our cafes and restaurants reflect the many cultures that intersect here, and the arts is an integral part of city life. We are home to many of Australia's national institutions and cultural icons. There are great facilities for organised and individual sports, or just strolling through our parks and natural bushland. To learn more about our lifestyle, visit: www.liveincanberra.com.au.