BALLARAT ICT E-BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 3, 2009.

Next UBTP & BITS Breakfast

Register now to attend the next UBTP and BITS Breakfast where David Sajfar, Industry Development Manager for Microsoft Australia will join us as our guest speaker.

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices. This Breakfast will enable attendees to access additional knowledge and information on the Microsoft Corporation, particularly in relation to areas for industry collaboration.

Date: Tuesday 17^th February, 2009.
Time: 7.45am (Sharp) – 9.00am
Venue: Neighbourhood Cable Conference Room, Greenhill Enterprise Centre, University of Ballarat, Mt Helen Campus.

RSVP: To Taryn Davies with completed registration form via t.davies@ballarat.edu.au.

Click here to view Flyer

Moving the Web Forward

With most business investments, you can specify in some detail your requirements; however when it comes to establishing an online presence, many businesses put themselves entirely in the hands of others.

You can, and you should, take control of this valuable investment. Developing a clear vision and effective online digital strategy that accurately reflects your business requirements is essential.

One of the strongest communication tools available to a business today is its website. Gerry Gaffney will discuss the ways to ensure your online presence is a natural extension of your business requirements and will reveal some tips to take control.

Date: Thursday 5^th February 2009.
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Venue: Doherty Lodge, 613 Main Road, Ballarat.

For more information and to RSVP visit www.designvic.com

"GRANT APPLICATIONS 101" SEMINAR

All you need to know about applying for a Government Grant and how to ensure your business is grant ready.

Date: Thursday 26 February 2009
Time: 4.00pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Innovation@257, 257 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Every year millions of dollars of grant money is available to Victorian companies. However, many companies never apply for their share of this funding because the application process is just too daunting.

If you’ve ever considered applying for a Government grant, but abandoned the idea because it was too difficult, this is the event for you! Find out all you need to know about grant applications from an expert in the field. And help make your business “grant-ready” with the help of some sound business planning tips from a top market researcher.

Click here for more information

2009- Vic ICT for Women Mentoring Program

“The Victorian ICT for Women Network exists to promote the Entry, Progression and Retention of women in ICT (Information, Communications Technology). The network recently launched its 2009 Mentoring Program. Response has been excellent, however, currently there are two ladies seeking mentoring in the Ballarat region who do not have mentors.

Should you have a significant amount of experience in ICT and/or Leadership we encourage you to consider registering as a mentor in this excellent program. This can be done by accessing the registration link below.

http://www.vicictforwomen.com.au/www/html/82-mentoring-program.asp

Ballarat Professional & Women in Business Luncheon: Maintaining work-life balance and a healthy lifestyle for the working woman.

Date: Wednesday 11^th February 2009.
Venue: Lakeview Hotel, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat
Time: 12.00- 2.00pm
Cost: $15.00 (includes a glass of wine or soft drink).

Click her to view Event Flyer

RSVP: to Margi via mcousins@vecci.org.au

Export Connections

Export Connections members are invited to participate in the Global Readiness index benchmarking survey.

EFIC’s annual Global Readiness index researches the current drivers, decision-making processes, risks and barriers that exporters and offshore investors encounter in an increasingly globalised and, at times, uncertain business world.

The unique study will provide Australian business with a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and challenges on the path to participating in today’s global supply chains. It will also compare results with those from the 2008 survey, and is expected to show some interesting insights as a result of the current global economic uncertainty.

Why should you participate?

You will benefit by receiving a customised benchmark report which compares key aspects of your export and globalisation strategies with the aggregate results from within your own industry sector, as well as Austrlian businesses overall.

You will also receive a copy of the full research results and commentary. Plus, the first 250 respondents to complete the survey will receive two Hoyts movie passes.

EFIC invites you to benchmark your business today by completing the GRi questionnaire online at http://www.efic.gov.au/gri/vicdiird

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes, and will remain open until Friday 27 February.