UOW has partnered with the NSW Government to deliver the Advantage SME Program, an initiative funded as part of the NSW Government’s Boosting Business Innovation Program.

The partnership will provide SMEs with a one-stop access point to the capabilities available at UOW, including academics, students, researchers and labs such as the Australian National Fabrication Facility.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP formally announced the new $1 million, two-year partnership on Thursday 18 August, in a move set to boost innovation and jobs growth in the Illawarra region.

Mr Ward said the Boost Business program will support a small-to-medium-enterprise (SME) engagement program that will encourage entrepreneurship and business innovation in the region.

“This partnership is about supporting local businesses to develop relationships with the University of Wollongong’s researchers to create new initiatives resulting in jobs growth,” Mr Ward said.

“We want to make it easier for businesses, students and researchers throughout the State to share ideas and innovation, and the new Advantage SME program at the University of Wollongong will help to support continued growth and diversity in the Illawarra economy.”

New South Wales Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro congratulated the University on its work to support NSW’s position as the nation’s leader in innovation.

“Collaboration and sharing ideas is a key driver of innovation in small business, and this program will make sure that start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Illawarra have access to the same opportunities as those in Sydney,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Small business is the engine room of the NSW economy so we are hoping this partnership with the University of Wollongong will create new business ideas, new job opportunities and new industries for the region.”

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, said he was delighted that the University was partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the Advantage SME Program.

“This exciting initiative will provide local small to medium sized enterprises in the Illawarra with easier access to the resources, equipment and expertise of the University of Wollongong to help them build their businesses, create new employment and grow the local economy.

“I am very proud to be part of building future jobs and industries in our local communities,” Professor Wellings said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Judy Raper, who was present for the announcement, welcomed the new $1 million, two-year partnership with the New South Wales Government.

“UOW has a strong track record of engaging with industry for research projects and working with small business in this region,” she said.

“We are already working in partnership with the NSW Government for the iAccelerate program, but this funding allows us to expand our engagement with business and to offer a wider range of support to SMEs in our changing local economy,” Professor Raper said.