WEB LINKS

Are you unsure where to go for business support and assistance?  The information in the Ballarat ICT weblinks may assist.  Information and contact details are provided below for organisations that provide services to assist business, industry and community development. We have also included links for export and government related services.

Business, Industry and Community Development Export Government   Business, Industry and Community Development AusIndustry  AusIndustry helps firms to undertake research and development and to commercialise the results. It also assists companies using imported components to make exports and early stage firms needing help to bring new products to market. AusIndustry also provides a range of incentives for Australian businesses to foster investment and become more innovative and internationally competitive. AusIndustry's products cover a range of industry sectors and business needs. They are delivered in the form of grants, tax concessions, duty concessions and access to venture capital. Australian Customs Service  Information on Importing and Exporting Australian Industry Group  The Australian Industry Group (AIG) represents and serves the interests of Australian industry. Services include representation, trade and international services, industrial/employee relations, environment, energy and safety, training, workforce strategies and regional services. Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC)  Companies, Investors & Consumers, Financial services, Markets & Corporate finance, Publications. Australian Taxation Office  Business Taxation Information and forms GST related Issues. www.taxreform.ato.gov.au 13 2866 Ballarat Business Incubator  The Ballarat Business Incubator (BBI) provides serviced rooms, reception support and advice for micro-businesses, small businesses and home-based businesses wishing to expand into new premises. BBI nurture and develop enterprises into thriving businesses. The aim is to create centres of business excellence and innovation where start-up and emerging businesses are able to learn and grow while building their business into financially independent successes. Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council  The role of the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council is to promote greater awareness of multi-cultural values and the important contribution of local cultural groups to the community. The Council also offers a wide range of services including, English classes, information and advice, advocacy, legal advice, and the development of programs which embrace cultural heritage and diversity. Business Access  Free information sheets for downloading, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), features on topical business issues such as the GST, electronic commerce and hundreds of links to sites of relevance to all small business operators. Business Ballarat  Business Ballarat is the Economic Development Unit within the City of Ballarat. Its role is to increase the level of economic activity in Ballarat through the support and expansion of existing businesses; major project facilitation; and the attraction of new businesses, investment and sustainable development to the City. Business Ballarat is also responsible for developing and implementing economic strategies for Ballarat, which build on the competitive strengths of the local and regional economies. The Unit provides advice and referrals, project facilitation, promotions/marketing, statistical and general information, strategic planning, advocacy and development and investment advice and assistance. Business Channel  Business Channel is an electronic information service designed by the Victorian Government to bring government agencies and services within easy reach of the business community 24 hours a day, seven days a week Business Entry Point  If you run a small business in Australian, the Business Entry Point can help you with an extensive range of government information and transactions from across the country Business Licence Information Service (BLIS)  Helping you access information on all government licences, permits, registrations, and state codes of practice, required for your Victorian business. cBallarat  cBallarat is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which has been set up with the specific purpose of assisting in the promotion and co-ordination of Information and Communication Technology development in the Ballarat region. cBallarat helps integrate new technologies into the everyday lives of the Ballarat community and business. It also provides advice to assist and facilitate technology uptake and development. Commerce Ballarat  Commerce Ballarat is an independent business organisation that strengthens and promotes Ballarat's retail sector, in order to improve and expand the influence of retailing in Ballarat. The core areas of focus for Commerce Ballarat include retail employment, career and business development; retail and activity centre planning, facilitation and management; retail marketing and promotion; and strengthening the Ballarat City Centre. Committee for Ballarat  The Committee for Ballarat comprises business and community leaders from Ballarat and surrounding regions who are committed to identifying and tackling issues to ensure the success of our region. The Committee for Ballarat's projects are clearly tangible, definable, measurable and achievable and are known as Project Specific Objectives (PSO's). Although self funded, the Committee will be strongly advocating for major project funding which will contribute to PSO outcomes. Consumer & Business Affairs Victoria  Licensing and Registration of Business Name. For companies see ASIC above. Grant Links  Looking for a grant from the Commonwealth Government. IBIS World  Will provide you with detailed reports, from organisations (this is a view only web page). This web address is only the basic information, to gain full reports visit your Victorian Business Centre. Industrial Relations Victoria  IR policy that advocates "a fair, safe and secure workplace" - one that restores the balance between employers and employees and facilitates a more harmonious industrial relations climate. Industrial Supplies Office  Identifying supply capacity for Australian-made industry Industry Capability Network  The Industry Capability Network is an independently managed, non-profit organisation financially supported by State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments. The Network facilitates business partnerships for the purpose of local supply, access to global supply chains and local business growth. ICN services are free of charge except for some specialised activities. INNOVIC  Patents and Intellectual Property guide Legal Line  Legalonline is the Victorian Government's legal information website - it is the Law made clear and simple. Anytime. Liquor Licensing Victoria  Information and applications University of Ballarat  The University of Ballarat (UB) has played a critical role in the effective use and development of the ICT infrastructure, skills and services in Ballarat and the broader Central Highlands and Wimmera regions of Victoria. UB offers a comprehensive range of Bachelor, Masters and Research degrees through the School of Information Technology and Maths Science. The flagship degree is the Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice) which is offered in conjunction with IBM as an Earn as You Learn program. The University is also home to a number of specialist research centres. University of Ballarat Technology Park  The University of Ballarat Technology Park (UBTP) was launched in February 1995 to promote and develop regional technology companies. The UBTP successfully attracts companies to locate on the Park as a result of cost-effective building developments, access to highly skilled and experienced research scientists, technical staff and graduates, together with global network linkages. The UBTP is located on a 29-hectare site within the Mt Helen Campus of the University of Ballarat. The close proximity to the Melbourne CBD and the airport, combined with a rural lifestyle contribute to the competitive advantages of the Park’s location.The Ballarat Technology Park facilities include the Greenhill Enterprise Centre - A progressive technology incubator and the Global Innovation Centre. Victorian Business Centre  Victorian Business Centres (VBCs) are based throughout the regional areas of Victoria so business people can access the services provided by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. VBCs services include: administering government programs and initiatives in regional Victoria; organising and distributing local business and economic growth programs; information about starting a business; licensing and registration information and support for business; providing referrals to specialists as required; and workshops and seminars on business topics. Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI)  The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is Victoria's most influential employer group, servicing over 70,000 Victorian businesses per annum. An independent, non-government body, VECCI was started by the business community to represent business. VECCI’s membership is diverse, with involvement from all levels and sectors of industry including: business services, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism and emerging sectors. Wageline  Wage information Workcover /Worksafe  8c/333 Gillies Street Wendouree Workplace Agreements  Agreement for hiring staff etc back to top    Export Austrade - Australian Trade Commission  The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Federal Government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. Australian Customs Service  The Australian Customs Service manages the security and integrity of Australia Ballarat Export Hub  The Export Hub is a convenient one-stop shop designed to assist Australian businesses gain information, advice and support to help them to become innovative and internationally competitive. The Export Hubs provide Australian businesses with information and advice on products and services to assist with research and development plus commercialisation, as well as the relevant know-how to reduce the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. Businesses, particularly small and medium sized, can benefit directly from the Export Hub. Governor of Victoria Export Awards  These Awards showcase the truly remarkable achievements of Victoria's export sector. Victoria's exporters now account for nearly 20 percent of total Australian exports and, in 2001-02, over $22 billion of Victorian goods and services were sold into markets around the world. VicExport  This site will give you access to the Export Communication Network and provide tools for the development of export marketing strategies etc Women in Export Program  Austrade's Women in Export program aims to ensure women in business are aware of, and have access to, a full range of services to assist them in becoming successful and sustainable exporters. back to top    Government Agenda For New Manufacturing Programs  The Agenda for New Manufacturing is a shared action plan for manufacturers and the Victorian Government to help build tomorrow's manufacturing businesses today and to take manufacturing in Victoria to a higher growth path. Victoria's challenge in the global business environment is to build a high technology, innovative and export-focused manufacturing sector. Australian Bureau of Statistics  The Australian Bureau of Statistics is Australia's official statistical organisation. They assist and encourage informed decision-making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by providing a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service. Australian Business Entry Point  The Australian Business Entry Point provides links to both State and Federal Government Departments and services. Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service  The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service provides quarantine inspection services for the arrival of international passengers, cargo, mail, animals and plants or their products into Australia, and inspection and certification for a range of animal and plant products exported from Australia. Building Tomorrow's Businesses Today  Assistance programs for Businesses operating in Victoria Business Access  Business Access provides information and referral services to existing and potential small business operators. It works closely with other Government agencies and private sector small business service providers. On our website you can find information about our services, free information sheets for downloading, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), features on topical business issues such as the GST, electronic commerce and hundreds of links to sites of relevance to all small business operators. Central Highlands Area Consultative Committee  Funded through Federal Government VicCHACC plays a key role in attracting funding for business development and job creation initiatives through a range of programs. So if it is building community capacity, boosting business, or supporting projects, vicCHACC may be the advocate and the support to put people in touch with the ideas, programs and the people who can make it happen. City of Ballarat  The City of Ballarat's official website Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade aims to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development  The home page for the Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development Grow Your Business Program  Grow Your Business is a flexible new funding and support program that is boosting growth and development potential among Victoria's innovative businesses. Regional Development Victoria  Regional Development Victoria is a part of Department of Innovation Industry & Regional Development. Regional Development Victoria has whole of government responsibility for shaping policy for regional development and delivers programs to enhance economic and infrastructure development, investment attraction, job creation and community development in regional and rural Victoria. back to top