Success just gets
better in the fast lane
ELEVEN
Cairns businesses
seeking to expand their services and product lines are
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taking the fast lane to
greater success.
The
Queensland Government is backing
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a program designed to help successful and
innovative local businesses to reach new markets including exports.
The
Government has engaged business consultants Pyksis Pty Ltd to bring the Fast Tracking Tropical Business program back to north
Queensland.
Department of State
Development, Infrastructure and Planning principal regional development officer Kathy Rankin said last year’s Fast Tracking program had been a huge
success.
“The 17 businesses from
Cairns to Townsville which took part in the
inaugural Fast Tracking program last year went on to enjoy a high level of
success,” Ms Rankin said.
“This unique program combines professional development, one-on-one
mentoring and coaching followed by a graduation showcase where participating
businesses present their business case to an expert panel.
“The 11 potentially fast-growth
Cairns
businesses this year will take part in a “roundtable" on Wednesday, June 20.”
She said they would learn more about how to grow successfully from
experts such as Tim James from the ANZ Bank, Cam Charlton (Kleinhardt Business
Consultants), Jodi Herbert (Bank of South Pacific) and John Mlikota (InCapital
Advisers).
“The program provides practical information on how to build on your
business’s strengths and fast-track its development and profitability through
finding new markets,” Ms Rankin said.
“The key subjects tackled in the program are marketing, intellectual
property protection, business models, teamwork, funding opportunities and
marketing and presentation skills.
“From a strategic point of view, Fast Tracking Tropical Business is an
important activity and part of the Queensland Government’s work to diversify
our economic base.
“Our region’s ideal location in the Asia-Pacific region offers growth
opportunities in tropical expertise and we continue to work on establishing the
Cairns region
as a trade hub for business in Papua New Guniea and the Pacific region.”
One of the successful businesses who participated last year, Environment
and Energy Systems, has gone on to become a Tier 1 Contractor to a large mining
company in PNG.
“Innisfail business IBS Engineering Supplies Pty Ltd, which participated
last year as well, is now expanding into new regions and targeting new sectors,
including mining and energy,” Ms Rankin said.
IBS operations manager Adam Seawright credited the Fast Tracking program
for this early success.
“Our immediate goal to expand into new locations in
Queensland were fast-tracked because of this
program,” Mr Seawright said.