New Website, loads of services from the Creative Industries Innovation Centre, Australia

Just a quick message to let you all know that the “Creative Industries Innovation Centre” has just launched their new web site. The centre is designed to support creative enterprises with business and practical skill stuff. They are based in Sydney but they have people all around the country.

If you’re engaged in a Creative Business of some kind check out their site and their services – a lot of them are Free!

http://www.creativeinnovation.net.au

Also, if you use their services, or don’t think they particularly fit your needs or you have some ideas about other ways they (or someone else) could be helpful, i’ve set up a little discussion thread here:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=54831931445&topic=12595

Let us know your thoughts,

Creative Industries Innovation Centre

The Creative Industries Innovation Centre (CIIC) has funding of $17 million over four years. The centre was launched on 17 February 2009 by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, and Arts Minister, Peter Garrett.

The CIIC assist firms in the creative industries sector to make a larger contribution to the Australian economy.

The CIIC helps small and medium size (SMEs) businesses improve their productivity and competitiveness by providing professional business advisory and development services. The Centre also builds collaboration between researchers and businesses, and assists creative businesses to access the latest technologies and market specific information.

The Government has partnered with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to deliver creative firms with a wide range of targeted services including:

A comprehensive Business Review. Financial support to help firms implement recommendations of the Business Review. Ongoing mentoring and advice to firms as they implement change. New firm incubation. Linking firms with the best market knowledge and research available. Help with accessing other Government programs and cutting red tape. Industry intelligence, workshops and networking opportunities.

The Centre offers services to firms across Australia. The Centre is headquartered at the UTS City Campus in Sydney, and has a network of Business Advisers located around the country working one on one with firms.

The CIIC assists creative industry SMEs including design, publishing, writing, architecture, visual arts, television, radio, advertising, film, performing arts, music, games, and interactive content.

UTS CONSORTIUM PARTNERS

UTS is committed to building an inclusive national network and expects this group to expand to encompass an even wider range of support to the creative industries sector. Currently, consortium partners include:

Business and technology: Frasers Property; Arup; Ernst & Young; Macquarie Bank; IBM Australian Development Laboratory; Ivany Investment Group; Neville Freeman Agency; DDB Worldwide Communications Group; SGS Economics and Planning; Australian Technology Park Innovations; Standards Australia; ABC Innovations and Sydney Olympic Park (SOPA).

Partners with specific creative industries expertise: Australian Business Arts Foundation; Australian Network for Arts and Technology (ANAT); Australian Interactive Multimedia Industry Association (AIMIA); Powerhouse Museum; Object-Australian Centre for Craft and Design; and Workshop 3000.

Universities: University of Sydney; Monash University; University of South Australia; University of Western Australia; University of Tasmania; University of Wollongong; University of Newcastle; and University of Canberra.

For further information, call the Enterprise Connect Hotline between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (AEST) on 131 791 (Australian callers only) or email enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au.

http://www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au/Innovation/Pages/CreativeIndustriesInnovationCentre.aspx

Links to resources

Smashing Apps and useful online resources for designers and developers. The site includes easy-to-understand pieces on digital know-how and applications, from advertising to blogging, RSS, eCommerce and widgets.