Published Monday, 29 January, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
GRANTS OPEN FOR ICT & BIOTECH COMPANIES TO EXHIBIT ABROAD
Innovative information and communications technology (ICT) and biotechnology companies can kick-start 2007 with new export prospects by applying for funding through the Queensland Government’s International Trade Show Assistance Program (ITSAP).
Minister for State Development John Mickel said small to medium-sized ICT and biotech companies throughout Queensland wishing to develop international business leads should apply for the latest round of ITSAP, which has so far helped more than 100 Smart State innovators go global.
Applications for the Round 16 funding are now open.
“ITSAP, established in 2000, offers ICT and biotech companies up to $5,000 to offset the cost of exhibiting their products or services at a chosen trade show or mission. Registered ICT clusters can apply for up to $10, 000,” Mr Mickel said.
“The program has so far helped 109 companies generate immediate export sales of more than $5.6 million. These companies have projected over $310 million in future exports and more than 450 new jobs.”
Mr Mickel said ITSAP was designed to open up doors and create overseas business opportunities for high-tech companies in the early stages of exporting, and those intending to start.
“Trade shows are a fantastic opportunity for Queensland companies to share their Smart State innovation and ingenuity with the rest of the world,” he said.
“Previous ITSAP recipients have networked with potential clients and partners, observed industry and competitor trends, and gained invaluable exposure at trade shows across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the UK, America and Asia Pacific regions.”
Spring Hill-based software developer for the hairdressing and beauty industry, Shortcuts Software, attended the Salon International 2006 trade show in London in October 2006 thanks to ITSAP funding.
Salon International 2006, one of the largest trade shows of its kind in the UK, attracted more than 48,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors from all over the world.
Shortcuts Software CEO Rebecca Randle said the company showcased its suite of products which help salon and spa operators manage their business.
“This was really a great opportunity to build on our presence in UK markets,” Ms Randle said.
“We are continuing to follow up on the some 250 strong leads generated as a result of attending this important event.
“The contacts made with large multinational product and service companies, such as L’Oreal Paris, will help us build on the more than 8,500 clients in 25 countries that our company has established since forming in 1993.
“More than $75,000 in immediate sales were made from the trade show itself, and we expect to make an additional $120,000 in product sales over the next year.”
Mr Mickel said he encouraged eligibile ICT or biotech companies who think they have export potential to take the next step and show the world the highly innovative products and services Queensland has to offer.
Application forms for the International Trade Show Assistance Program are available on the State Government Information Industries Bureau website at www.iib.qld.gov.au/itsap from Tuesday, 23 January.
The IIB website includes a useful link to a site listing all upcoming trade shows, exhibitions and events worldwide.
Companies have until Friday, 23 February 2007 to submit their completed application, with the successful applicants to be announced by Thursday, 5 April.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
29 January, 2007
Minister for State Development John Mickel said small to medium-sized ICT and biotech companies throughout Queensland wishing to develop international business leads should apply for the latest round of ITSAP, which has so far helped more than 100 Smart State innovators go global.
Applications for the Round 16 funding are now open.
“ITSAP, established in 2000, offers ICT and biotech companies up to $5,000 to offset the cost of exhibiting their products or services at a chosen trade show or mission. Registered ICT clusters can apply for up to $10, 000,” Mr Mickel said.
“The program has so far helped 109 companies generate immediate export sales of more than $5.6 million. These companies have projected over $310 million in future exports and more than 450 new jobs.”
Mr Mickel said ITSAP was designed to open up doors and create overseas business opportunities for high-tech companies in the early stages of exporting, and those intending to start.
“Trade shows are a fantastic opportunity for Queensland companies to share their Smart State innovation and ingenuity with the rest of the world,” he said.
“Previous ITSAP recipients have networked with potential clients and partners, observed industry and competitor trends, and gained invaluable exposure at trade shows across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the UK, America and Asia Pacific regions.”
Spring Hill-based software developer for the hairdressing and beauty industry, Shortcuts Software, attended the Salon International 2006 trade show in London in October 2006 thanks to ITSAP funding.
Salon International 2006, one of the largest trade shows of its kind in the UK, attracted more than 48,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors from all over the world.
Shortcuts Software CEO Rebecca Randle said the company showcased its suite of products which help salon and spa operators manage their business.
“This was really a great opportunity to build on our presence in UK markets,” Ms Randle said.
“We are continuing to follow up on the some 250 strong leads generated as a result of attending this important event.
“The contacts made with large multinational product and service companies, such as L’Oreal Paris, will help us build on the more than 8,500 clients in 25 countries that our company has established since forming in 1993.
“More than $75,000 in immediate sales were made from the trade show itself, and we expect to make an additional $120,000 in product sales over the next year.”
Mr Mickel said he encouraged eligibile ICT or biotech companies who think they have export potential to take the next step and show the world the highly innovative products and services Queensland has to offer.
Application forms for the International Trade Show Assistance Program are available on the State Government Information Industries Bureau website at www.iib.qld.gov.au/itsap from Tuesday, 23 January.
The IIB website includes a useful link to a site listing all upcoming trade shows, exhibitions and events worldwide.
Companies have until Friday, 23 February 2007 to submit their completed application, with the successful applicants to be announced by Thursday, 5 April.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
29 January, 2007