The Government announced today payments of $2.5m for 67 companies under the Government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program to enable them to “refashion” their business enterprise culture with better business and management processes.  In announcing the successful recipients, Senator Carr said “By updating business processes, the 67 businesses stand a better chance of succeeding in a tough environment. The job prospects of 45,000 people – many in regional Australia – will be a lot more secure.”

The TCF sectors has been selected for support as they are faced challenging times and projects such as putting in place digital systems and improved management practices would help ensure the industry’s competitiveness and its long-term viability.   Other industry sectors and exporters are obviously not challenged by the tough economic times and don’t need support.

More than 45,000 people employed in the TCF industries.  By updating business processes, the 67 businesses stand a better chance of succeeding in a tough environment. The job prospects of 45,000 people – many in regional Australia – will be a lot more secure.  All states and the Northern Territory have received grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.  The successful recipients included:

  • The Australian Coat Company Pty Ltd in Slacks Creek, Queensland, is using its $27,600 grant to install a design/patternmaking system. It will streamline production, giving it the flexibility to move into new markets for protective oilskin coats, work and motorcycle gear.
  • The bridal wear business of Luci Di Bella (Belena Pty Ltd) in Armadale, Victoria, will fund a digital management system with its $50,000 grant. It will centralise business data and reporting for better analysis and decision making.
  • Betty Sugar Clothing in Beckenham, WA, will use its $17,550 to develop e-commerce business and marketing plans to improve financial management and enable the design and manufacturing business to be more profitable and sustainable.

For further details on this and the other 600 grants currently available, contact Pattens Group, the grants experts, on 1800 PATTENS