The Federal Government yesterday launched a $17m Creative Industries Innovation Centre at Sydney’s UTS.

Part of the $271 million earmarked for six ‘Innovation Centres’ under the Government’s Enterprise Connect initiative, the Creative Industries centre aims to provide creative sector businesses with assistance in boosting productivity – improving wealth and job creation.

“Small and medium enterprises in this sector face similar issues to those in other sectors,” says Senator Kim Carr, “[They] are strong in their creative focus, but sometimes lack the skills required to successfully run and grow their business.”

Despite being located in Sydney, the UTS centre will service the creative sector through a national network, and will provide assistance to over 2000 busineses each year through business reviews, incubation services, seminars and networking services.

UTS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ross Milbourne, says the initiative will continue the University’s commitment to engaging business, industry and professionals. “Investing in our infrastructure and our creative industries research and academic profiles has been a priority,” he says.

Minister for Environment, Peter Garrett says: “This centre will bring together cultural entrepreneurs, practitioners and researchers to maximise the contribution of Australia’s creative industries.”

To find out more about how you could benefit visit the website or phone 131 791.

Enterprise Connect
enterpriseconnect.gov.au