$17m Creative Industries Innovation Centre to boost creative industries

13th March, 2009

A $17m Creative Industries Innovation Centre to boost creative industries was launched on February 17th by Senator Kim Carr (Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) and Peter Garret (Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts). The Centre will provide free hands-on assistance to small and medium businesses in the creative sector to boost their productivity and realise their potential for wealth and job creation.

The national centre is hosted by UTS and is one of six Innovation Centres funded under the Government's $271m Enterprise Connect initiative. Other centres focus on sectors such as clean-energy, mining and remote enterprises.

"Australia's creative enterprises are amongst the world's best, but to remain competitive they must continue to innovate and improve their processes," Senator Carr said.

"Small to medium enterprises in this sector face similar issues to those in other sectors - they are strong in their creative focus, but sometimes lack the skills required to successfully run and grow their business.

"Most cannot afford to pay for external advice to help improve how their business operates, particularly in these tough financial times.

"This is where the Creative Industries Innovation Centre comes in. It will give eligible firms access to a free business review, followed up with matching funding of $20,000 to implement changes identified."

The centre aims to deliver creative firms with a wide range of targeted services including:

• A comprehensive Business Review.
• Financial support to help firms implement recommendations of the Business Review.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and advice to firms as they implement change.
• New firm incubation.
• Linking firms with the best market knowledge and research available.
• Help with accessing other Government programs and cutting red tape.
• Industry intelligence, workshops and networking opportunities.
• The Centre offers services to firms across Australia. The Centre is headquartered at the UTS City Campus in Sydney, and has a network of Business Advisers located around the country working one on one with firms.

The CIIC assists creative industry SMEs including design, publishing, writing, architecture, visual arts, television, radio, advertising, film, performing arts, music, games, and interactive content.

Peter Garrett said the Centre was focussed on working in partnership with the creative sector and businesses could draw on the Centre's expertise well after the initial review process.

"This Centre will bring together cultural entrepreneurs, practitioners and researchers to maximise the contribution of Australia's creative industries to our economy and cultural life. Ongoing support will be provided through mentoring, networking opportunities and help with linking into local and global supply chains.

For more information call Enterprise Connect on 131 791 or go to
www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au