A new Victorian government initiative is helping small to medium enterprises improve competitiveness and boost profits through the use of design as a business tool.

Launching Design Victoria in late 2007, Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings (pictured) says the strategy – which is the first of its kind in Australia – aims to encourage the design-lead growth of Victorian industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.

"The Victorian Government has long recognised the importance of design, identifying it as one of Victoria’s strategic capabilities," said Mr Jennings.

The government is encouraging all eligible Victorian businesses and design professionals to take part in Design Victoria programs.

A series of seminars and workshops will be held in metropolitan and regional Victoria in 2008 to help owners and managers identify the opportunities for design to add value to their business.

"Victoria’s design sector is thriving, well recognised and makes an essential contribution to our economic growth. But more can and must be done."

For more information:
designvic@designvic.com

designvic.com/