$2.5 million for textile, clothing and footwear sector

Manufacturing is back in a big way.

A day after the Federal Government announced a $35 million grant to help Toyota Australia build hybrid cars, Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr has announced more than 71 grant offers worth $2.5 million as part of the Government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program.

Carr says the grants provide finance for up to 10 years, which will be used by small designers and manufacturers to improve the adaptability of their business. “This program helps… small businesses transform their business culture by moving from an inward business to become enterprise leaders.”

Michael Denigan, owner of Mick’s Whips and Leather Goods and recipient of a $34,000 grant, said the money would not only provide his business with extra resources, but allow him to manufacture goods in Australia, rather than ship them in from overseas.

“By developing our business and giving us the chance to grow… we can work inside Australia and create wealth for Australia rather than mass producing things overseas,” he says. “We can’t lose those skills… we need those cultures to exist and prosper.”

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