Published Tuesday, 24 April, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
NEW PROGRAM SUPPORTS CULTURAL BUSINESS IN QUEENSLAND
The Queensland Government will run free seminars and workshops throughout the State to encourage and support people from different cultures who want to start their own business.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism, Michael Choi, today represented Minister for State Development, John Mickel, at the launch of the Cultural Diversity Business Development Program.
“The Department of State Development has created this program in order to maximise the economic benefits of our cultural diversity, boost the contribution migrants make to our small business sector and open up opportunities for them,” Mr Choi said.
“As well as being one of the fastest growing States in Australia, Queensland is a dynamic and diverse society with many cultures, languages and religions. The State is home to people from over 200 countries.
“Some 17 per cent of the State’s population was born overseas. In some regions such as Gold Coast and Logan the proportion is nearly 25 per cent.
“And due to greater movement of people in the world, travel opportunities and advances in information and communication technology, Queenslanders are also experiencing greater contact with diversity.”
Mr Choi said migrants had made enormous contributions to the community in areas such as business, arts, culture, agriculture, tourism and education.
“Many people from overseas also have a competitive advantage in business because of their knowledge of overseas markets and different cultures which is important in today’s global environment.
“The Cultural Diversity Business Development Program is designed to help people from culturally diverse backgrounds who are thinking of starting their own business,” Mr Choi said.
“The program is made up of a seminar and two workshops that will be delivered in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Gold Coast, Springwood, and Sunshine Coast.
“It will give people an insight and a solid foundation into what it takes to make a success of a new venture and showcase the diverse opportunities available in our State where cultural diversity is one of our strengths.”
Mr Choi said there was much to consider when contemplating starting your own business.
“The interactive seminar and workshops cover questions frequently asked by people and offers some useful tips and practical advice,” Mr Choi said.
“Participants will learn about a number of important business areas to consider such as market research, planning, finances, staffing or government regulations.”
A training DVD and video featuring six success stories from cultural diverse businesses has been specifically developed for the program.
“And local small business owners who have built their enterprise from the ground up will come along and share their knowledge as well as experience about the challenges they’ve faced and overcome, and successes they’ve achieved.”
Mr Choi said the Queensland Government was strongly committed to the small business sector.
“Small and medium enterprises (SME’s) are the lifeblood of the Queensland economy. Nearly 97 per cent of businesses in Queensland are SMEs and they employ some 200,000 people.”
For more information on The Cultural Diversity Business Development Program please go to Department of State Development’s website www.sd.qld.gov.au or call 1300 363 711.
Parliamentary Secretary Michael Choi contact: David Shaw 3224 7464
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349
24 April, 2007
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism, Michael Choi, today represented Minister for State Development, John Mickel, at the launch of the Cultural Diversity Business Development Program.
“The Department of State Development has created this program in order to maximise the economic benefits of our cultural diversity, boost the contribution migrants make to our small business sector and open up opportunities for them,” Mr Choi said.
“As well as being one of the fastest growing States in Australia, Queensland is a dynamic and diverse society with many cultures, languages and religions. The State is home to people from over 200 countries.
“Some 17 per cent of the State’s population was born overseas. In some regions such as Gold Coast and Logan the proportion is nearly 25 per cent.
“And due to greater movement of people in the world, travel opportunities and advances in information and communication technology, Queenslanders are also experiencing greater contact with diversity.”
Mr Choi said migrants had made enormous contributions to the community in areas such as business, arts, culture, agriculture, tourism and education.
“Many people from overseas also have a competitive advantage in business because of their knowledge of overseas markets and different cultures which is important in today’s global environment.
“The Cultural Diversity Business Development Program is designed to help people from culturally diverse backgrounds who are thinking of starting their own business,” Mr Choi said.
“The program is made up of a seminar and two workshops that will be delivered in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Gold Coast, Springwood, and Sunshine Coast.
“It will give people an insight and a solid foundation into what it takes to make a success of a new venture and showcase the diverse opportunities available in our State where cultural diversity is one of our strengths.”
Mr Choi said there was much to consider when contemplating starting your own business.
“The interactive seminar and workshops cover questions frequently asked by people and offers some useful tips and practical advice,” Mr Choi said.
“Participants will learn about a number of important business areas to consider such as market research, planning, finances, staffing or government regulations.”
A training DVD and video featuring six success stories from cultural diverse businesses has been specifically developed for the program.
“And local small business owners who have built their enterprise from the ground up will come along and share their knowledge as well as experience about the challenges they’ve faced and overcome, and successes they’ve achieved.”
Mr Choi said the Queensland Government was strongly committed to the small business sector.
“Small and medium enterprises (SME’s) are the lifeblood of the Queensland economy. Nearly 97 per cent of businesses in Queensland are SMEs and they employ some 200,000 people.”
For more information on The Cultural Diversity Business Development Program please go to Department of State Development’s website www.sd.qld.gov.au or call 1300 363 711.
Parliamentary Secretary Michael Choi contact: David Shaw 3224 7464
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349
24 April, 2007