Innovate Port Stephens – First workshop features millions of dollars

Last week about 20 local businesses in the manufacturing, engineering and light industrial sectors had the benefit of learning about millions of dollars of government assistance for businesses in innovation, research & development. The key people in the Hunter Region responsible for the government agencies of Industry & Investment NSW, Enterprise Connect, AusIndustry, and Austrade were on hand at the first Innovate Port Stephens workshop to detail the financial assistance that each provide businesses in the form of grants, non-repayable loans, tax concessions and other forms of tax relief.

This two hour session was invaluable both in the delivery of this information and for the ability to network among other businesses and with the agency representatives themselves who were on hand to meet and address particular concerns.

Business who are successful in their development of new products or the improvement of efficiencies in existing systems are substantially assisted by the programs that these and other agencies are able to provide. So positive was the effect of this assistance showcase that we intend on providing a snapshot of each at a future Innovate Port Stephens workshop.

The next Innovate Port Stephens workshop will take place on Thursday, 25 February at Motto Farm Motel and will cover strategic planning in innovation.

For enquiries and more information please call Brendan Brooks on 4983 2549 or email brendan.brooks@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.