$5000 grants for Queensland small business in oil and gas

The Smart Australia: Take Local Global program, which was launched in Queensland on Thursday, will target natural resource companies working in or looking to diversify into the oil and gas sector by helping to identify and accelerate international opportunities.

Companies are invited to apply for a $5000 grant to take part in the program, which includes workshops in Brisbane or Perth. Participants will then arrange travel to Gastech 2018, being held in Barcelona, Spain from 17 to 20 September.

Businesses throughout Australia are encouraged to apply.

Smart Australia is a tailored business support program for Australian entrepreneurs and businesses looking to make connections in overseas markets by helping participants to identify in-market opportunities and scope relevant commercial and financial strategies. The workshops will equip participants with the skills and tools required to translate opportunities into tangible commercial outcomes.

NERA Chief Executive Miranda Taylor said as the Industry Growth Centre for the energy resources sector, NERA was perfectly placed to connect small businesses with international growth opportunities.

“NERA recognises significant value in the services and technologies being developed by local small businesses and entrepreneurs," said Taylor.

“Many home-grown innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises seek access to international markets to achieve long-term growth, sustainability and success. But without strategic support and guidance, this can be a challenging and complex task.

“With Australia being the world’s second largest exporter of LNG, NERA believes encouraging and promoting our innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs will have significant benefits for the sector, as well as for the Australian economy.”

TIQ, the Queensland Government’s global business agency, helps Queensland businesses develop the networks and acumen needed to successfully enter export markets. TIQ Chief Executive Virginia Greville said Queensland companies are well positioned to take their innovation and skills to global markets.

“Queensland is Australia’s gas powerhouse — producing 70% of the total east coast gas supply — and Queensland is the second largest producer of LNG in the world,” said Greville.

“Queensland companies have a wealth of knowledge and skills to offer at an international level and this Smart Australia program is designed to connect them with global growth opportunities that will result in tangible outcomes.

“Just as Queensland’s export-focused mining industry has been instrumental in the development of Queensland’s mining engineering technology and services (METS) export capabilities, a globally significant petroleum and gas industry is expected to grow the number of Queensland companies interested in and capable of supplying the industry internationally.”

Download the application form for Smart Australia at www.nera.org.au. Applications close on 20 April.

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