In a bid to show support for Australian manufacturing, the Gillard government is to deliver AUS $2.58m in funding to 74 textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) firms under its Small Business Programme. Senator Kate Lundy, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, announced the list of successful Australian companies that will receive up to $55,000 in funding each.
She said: "The TCF sector is an integral part of our manufacturing sector with many businesses based in regional Australia.
“A variety of innovative projects will be funded under the programme including implementing e-commerce strategies and improving manufacturing processes. These innovative projects will help ensure the industry’s international competitiveness and long-term viability in these challenging times.”
The TCF Small Business Programme is part of Julia Gillard’s Government's AUS $406m TCF Innovation Package. This also includes the AUS $112.5m Clothing and Household Textile (building innovative capability) scheme to support innovation, and the AUS $35m TCF Strategic Capability Programme to boost innovative capacity.
“By undertaking these projects the 74 businesses stand a better chance of succeeding in a tough environment and ensuring job prospects are more secure,” said Senator Lundy.
To support the TCF industry the Australian Government has established a TCF Industry Innovation Council to bring business, unions, researchers and Government together to champion innovation and provide strategic advice.
It has also formed a National TCF Innovation Network to support collaboration between companies and between industry, researchers and educational institutions.
A full list of the 74, round seven, recipients can be viewed here.
