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Who and
what are Business Enterprise Centres?
Business Enterprise Centres
are community-based not-for-profit business assistance
organisations that are incorporated and supported by a local board
of management. They are designed to facilitate the creation,
retention and development of sustainable business enterprises and
foster local economic development.
BECs through
their successful public/private partnerships with governments,
private enterprise and local communities across Australia provide
practical confidential business facilitation services. Additionally
these partnerships provide BEC clients access to a wealth of
professional services and government programs.
Because they
are locally based and operated, the BEC staff have an appreciation
of the regional issues affecting businesses and are able to tailor
advice to suit the specific needs of your business.
 How do I know if an
organisation is a member of BEC Australia?
On our website, listed under “National Network” is a state by state
listing of member BECs and Associate Members. In addition, members
of BEC Australia are authorized to use the logo you see displayed
on this page.
Why
should I choose to use a BEC Australia member?
BECs are part of their local business community, have local
knowledge and many local contacts. In addition BEC Australia has
approximately 100 members around Australia. Within this network is
a huge amount of specialist knowledge, including retailing,
manufacturing, fashion, tourism and agricultural sectors. If the
precise expertise you are seeking is not available at your local
BEC, members have the ability to call on other members for
assistance and specialist advice. This is also extremely important
when a business is looking for assistance to expand as BECs can
call upon colleagues in target areas for regional specific
information.
What sort
of services do BECs provide?
BECs provide a variety of services, from business start-up advice
and assistance to mentoring, seminars, business plan assistance and
skills training. They can also assist in facilitating
business-to-business networking opportunities and provide
information on grants and assistance that may be available to
business at that time. Most BECs have a regular newsletter they
send to clients, keeping them up-to-date with business news and
letting them know of networking events coming up in the local area.
In addition BECs have formed a number of local, state and national
sponsorships and alliances that provide benefits to their
clients.
How much
does it cost to utilize a BEC’s service?
Most BECs offer an initial interview at no or low cost (this
largely depends how the centre is funded). From that point, there
are different pathways that can be taken and this will affect the
cost of services. Generally speaking, specialized areas will
attract a fee – but the amount can vary and be directly linked to
the action plan mapped out for the business which requests
assistance.
Most BECs do
not charge a fee for a business to be included on email newsletter
groups and receive information. Some BECs do run official business
clubs which offer services and discounts above a newsletter and an
annual membership fee is connected with these.
What if
there is no BEC in my local area?
Contact BEC Australia and we will refer you to either your closest
BEC or, for specific requests, to a subject matter expert for
assistance with your query. It is a goal to expand the network over
time, so all queries will be responded to and locations noted so we
know which areas we should target first. In many cases we can also
cross-refer you to another organization in your area which may be
able to provide some face to face assistance.
Can a BEC
help me with business start up advice?
There is a huge amount of information available to people wanting
to start their own businesses. BECs can not only assist you in
accessing this information, but can also help you navigate your way
through many of the decisions involved in commencing a business
including business structure, registering for GST and business
planning. Assisting new business is a key area of BEC
services.
I’m an
established business…can a BEC assist me with business
planning?
Absolutely. A business plan is a dynamic document and should change
with your business as your business matures and achieves new
levels…or meets new challenges. BEC Australia sells an excellent
business planning CD which can be purchased online through our
website or through your local BEC. The CD includes video, financial
tables and steps your through creating your marketing, financial
and operating plans.
I’m a
home based business…what help can I get?
Home Based Businesses make up a significant portion of the micro
and small business sectors in Australia. BECs can help you with
your business planning and other needs. They also offer
face-to-face contact and networking opportunities that are so
important to independent professionals (who choose to base
themselves from home!)
Do BECs
provide business training?
The answer to this question depends on the individual BECs. Some
BECs are RTOs and can offer business units from the Business
Services Training Package. Many BECs are NEIS providers and
therefore offer the Certificate IV in Small Business. Other BECs
offer less formal training – more along the lines of professional
development - in the form of seminars and guest lecturers. You need
to talk to your local BEC about this. If they can’t provide the
training, they will certainly be able to put you in contact with an
organisation that can.
Can I get
any computer training from BECs?
Through the BEC Australia network you can access the BECA LearnKey
Advantage and receive training for you and your staff in the
Microsoft® Office suite of applications. This training is online,
meaning that you can access it in your own home or office at a time
convenient to you. There is a small fee for this training, which is
substantially less than similar courses would cost at other
institutions. From this training you can also sit exams to gain
Microsoft® Certification.To find out more click here. | 