The State Government is providing $8,000 worth of professional business development and marketing assistance to Cairns businesses under the JobsAssist program.

  
 The funding is currently restricted to local businesses with 10 or more fulltime employees.

  
 Five other Queensland regions have also been targeted under the program, along with companies operating in 16 targeted industries – which can be located anywhere within the state.

 The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovations (DEEDI) has been allocated the $10M of JobsAssist funding, which is only available until July 2010.

  
 The grant is then provided over two stages.  Stage 1 provides a $3,000 grant which enables businesses to procure JobsAssist-accredited business consultants to diagnose the issues impacting the business and to develop an action plan.

 Stage 2 provides a further $5,000 of fund ing to engage the consultants to advise and assist with implementing the priority tasks identified in the action plan.

 
 “The program is providing free expert business development assistance to companies who might not otherwise have considered getting some outside help, and it’s specifically targeted at regional companies.” Said Carl Mocnik , Director of Plenty Systems.

“JobsAssist applications are typically taking about a fortnight to be processed by DEEDI, after which we are free to provide our business consultants – and at no cost to our clients,” he said.

 
 But time is running out!  Mr. Mocnik warnes  “Since there’s no guarantee that the JobsAssist program will continue beyond this financial year, and the grants are being awarded on a first-come first-serve basis, I’d encourage all eligible businesses to contact us early.” (07) 3394 8247 or by e-mail at JobsAssist@plentysystems.com.au.
 

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