Tapping your business into big business opportunities - 21 January 2008
A one-day industry forum will be held in Harvey to equip small business to do business with big companies. The forum will provide practical information and create networking opportunities with major industry and government agency representatives.
South West Development Commission Regional Development Manager Graeme Baesjou said there were plenty of opportunities for small business to work with big projects in the region, but operators sometimes missed out because of uncertainty on how to tap into them.
“Big companies usually prefer to use local or regional businesses to support their operations,” Mr Baesjou said.
“But the problem faced by small business operators is how to approach the procurement process and how to successfully apply for contracted supply and service opportunities.
“Organisations such as Alcoa and Worsley Alumina are planning expansions and the Water Corporation is preparing for construction of a desalination plant in Binningup.
“These companies generally look for local businesses to meet their support supply and service needs but they have certain criteria designed to make the process as simple and effective as possible.
“Industry representatives will be on hand to inform smaller business operators how to meet that criteria.”
Local and State government representatives would also make presentations on how to meet statutory requirements.
“We will also be talking about the Business Health Check program we are running to provide operators with an independent assessment of where their business is at and areas they may be able to improve in,” Mr Baesjou said.
“It’s a service that may enhance a business’s chances of securing work with bigger companies.”
The industry forum will be held at the Harvey Recreation Centre on February 6, beginning 5.30pm. The event is free but seats are limited.
The event is being sponsored by the Small Business Centres in Bunbury and Peel, the Bunbury and Peel Chambers of Commerce and Industries and the South West and Peel Development Commissions.
For more information, or to book a place at the event, call the Small Business Centre Bunbury Wellington on 9791 2666.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Scott Maclean