Huge project underway for the SBC
CCS Strategic’s Ian Hill and Mark Casserly, Grant Cucel Chair of the SBCWP and Nick Willis-Johnson from Acil Tasman look at the possibilities for Business growth in Karratha
The Small Business Centre is seeking small businesses to contribute to a study that will offer easy-lease accommodation, access to training rooms and much more.
Small Business Centre chairman Grant Cucel said if people are only going to fill out one survey in the year, then this is the survey to do.
The Small Business Centre West Pilbara has commissioned consultants CCS Strategic to determine the feasibility of a business support unit, coined the ‘Karratha Business Park’ which will look at Karratha’s needs for retail, commercial, tourism and light industrial development with a view to supporting economic growth and diversification.
It will address which business activities should be supported and where such a business park or parks should be located.
The study is one of several business and economic studies being overseen by the Coastal West Pilbara Economic Development Taskforce which will feed into an overall economic development strategy for the Pilbara being undertaken by the Pilbara Development Commission.
The study, which will be complete in late April, will analyse the feasibility of providing facilities in Karratha, Tom Price and Onslow.
The study commissioned by the Small Business Centre West Pilbara is funded by Royalties for Regions, Pilbara Development Commission, The Chevron Operated Gorgon Project, Shire of Roebourne and Shire of Ashburton.
Small Business Centre manager Rachel Whiting said it is vital for those interested in starting a business, interested in moving from a home based location, those whose facilities are inadequate or who may be interested in expanding their businesses to another town in the Pilbara complete the survey.
“We want to provide a facility or facilities across the West Pilbara that is beneficial for Small Business growth and development, will increase business diversification and ultimately benefit all Pilbara residents,” she said.
SBC chairman Grant Cucel said they need information from anyone that has or is wanting to start a business.
“It is very difficult to start a business is Karratha with the cost of rent, and if we can provide cheaper subsidised rent then that gives that person a greater chance of getting their business off the ground,” he said.
“After the survey, all that data will feed into the feasibility study and a document that will be produced that document will have a business case with estimated capital cost and operating cost to see how much a business would cost to operate.
“We then will lobby to try and get funding to get this project underway.”
Tags: Small Busines Centre
