Region. $12m to support small businesses

NSW Minister for Regional Development, Phil Costa, said the NSW Government would provide $12 million over four years from the Western Sydney Employment Fund to support businesses. “This fund will help small and medium sized businesses in Western Sydney to create much-needed jobs …funding will offset costs incurred by businesses during initial establishment or expansion. The fund would be available from the 2009/10 financial year up to 2013/14, and be administered by the Department of State and Regional Development.

Region. Local women complete program

NSW Minister for Small Business, Steve Whan, has congratulated 18 local businesswomen who successfully completed the Government’s Women in Business Mentor program in Western Sydney. “The program matched the women with experienced business people in the community, and provided a combination of business skills training, networking and one-to-one mentoring. The aim of the program is to help participants enhance their skills and networks, and ultimately grow their businesses, “ he said. Almost one third of small business operators in NSW are women.