Regional businesses are continuing to thrive by engaging with international markets, with support from the State Government TradeStart and Gateway Business Program.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith will today visit an example of this success, Streaky Bay Marine Products, to learn how the business grew its exports to Asia.
“The State Government has advisers in Port Augusta, Naracoorte, Paringa and Adelaide’s CBD, businesses can access a full range of services to achieve success internationally.
“The mentoring and business advice provided through TradeStart advisors empowers businesses to grow their profitable export operations,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“TradeStart advisers provide specialist assistance based on the needs of individual companies, with the goal being long-term success in international business.
“Collaboration between Government, business and the community is the key to unlocking our potential, and through the TradeStart program, we can support this vision by helping companies develop their long-term success and exposure to international markets.
“Since TradeStart was delivered in 2006 it has helped businesses enter and build relationships with international markets. Our advisers have assisted 630 exporters in the past year to facilitate export outcomes with a total value of close to $30 million,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“Business can also access grants through the Gateway Business Program, which is designed to assist both aspiring and established exporters in the State.
“It offers individual funding up to $25,000 over two years for eligible South Australian exporters to support export market development activities. The Program also provides funding for companies to pursue mentoring, coaching and information to help them become ‘export ready’ before they travel to international markets,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“Streaky Bay Marine Products is a perfect example of what can be achieved through the TradeStart program. It’s a second-generation family business, run by brothers Damon and Dion Edmunds and their wives Sophia and Renae, who together, share over 45 years’ experience in wild catch abalone fishery,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“Seafood sales to Asia are now the lynchpin of its West Coast business with support from the State Government’s TradeStart program.
“The business purchases seafood direct from local operators including abalone, King George Whiting and snapper, to our delicious Spencer Gulf king prawns, southern rock lobster, blue swimmer crabs and oysters.
“They also export our quality and premium seafood including black lip and green lip abalone to Hong Kong and China.
“Through our State’s economic priorities, we can continue helping these vital enterprises thrive and continue our dominance in domestic and international markets.”
The latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that South Australia continues to outpace the nation when it comes to overseas exports, Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“In the 12 months to September 2014, the value of our overseas goods and exports had grown to $12.1 billion.
“I am determined to partner with Minister for Regional Development Geoff Brock, to continue helping regional businesses to engage with new markets, grow their exports and prosper.”
For more information about the TradeStart program, visit www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/what-we-do/tradedraft/tradestart-assistance#q=tradestartprogram