Ministerial Statement

LaunchME

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:02): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: While our government is proud that South Australia has consistently been recognised as an affordable place to live and raise a family, we understand that some South Australians are doing it tough. Unfortunately, many aspiring small business owners on low incomes may have a great idea but are excluded from the financial and support services they need to make their idea a reality. This results in lost opportunities for individuals as well as our economy.

I am pleased to advise the house that our government has committed $900,000 to deliver a new microenterprise program, LaunchME, to create business opportunities in the northern Adelaide regions. LaunchME will be delivered by Good Shepherd Microfinance and is accessible by local residents with a viable business idea who have an income below $45,000 or a current healthcare card or pensioner concession card.

Under this program, eligible participants will receive affordable, no-interest loans of up to $5,000 to help them transfer their innovative business ideas into successful enterprises. Our government understands that small businesses need more than sporadic loans to thrive. That is why this new program offers tailored support to suit the needs of each enterprise, including mentoring and coaching to develop sustainable business plans.

Those of us who live in the northern suburbs know just how acutely Holden workers and those who work in the automotive supply chain need assistance to transition to new industries. This Labor government understands what needs to be done to increase economic opportunity and provide additional employment to those impacted by the imminent Holden closure.

It was this Labor government that implemented the Be a Job Maker youth program in the north. It was this Labor government that implemented the Beyond Auto strategy in the north. It is this Labor government that is now implementing the microenterprise program to support emerging entrepreneurs in the north. We value the people who live, work, study and invest in our northern suburbs. We are proud of South Australia's great tradition of entrepreneurialism and innovation, and LaunchME will continue this tradition. For further information about eligibility criteria, please visit www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/microenterprise.