BSG has been fortunate to secure a contract with the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) to provide training and support for small businesses in the Townsville area as part of the National Broadband Network (NBN) program rollout.

The Digital Enterprise program will assist over 400 SMEs and NFPs with the development of their e-business and online capability. BSG will offer a schedule of group workshops and individual, on-site support over a two year period commencing February 2012.

We are excited to announce that we are running free small business online workshops in Rockhampton on 20 June and 1-on-1 sessions on 21 June. The workshops will be conducted in the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Level 1, corner of East and Derby streets.
More information for the Rockhampton Small Business Online Workshops

BSG is participating in the Cancer Councils Biggest Morning Tea.

Almost everyone will be touched by cancer at some stage during their life, through their own fight against the disease or through family and friends. Join the staff at Business Success Group on the 26th of May at 11:00am to help raise funds to help the fight against cancer.

Your tax deductible donation will contribute to vital cancer research and clinical trials, support services for patients, their families and carers, and information and public education campaigns Donate to help the fight against Cancer. Cancer is the number 1 killer in Australia.

The Productivity Places Program is no longer available in New South Wales. As of February 2011, it has been superseded by the New South Wales Strategic Skills Program.

The majority of the courses previously offered under the Productivity Places Program are still available under the Strategic Skills Program. To find out more, visit our Strategic Skills Program webpage. If you have any questions about the change in programs, please feel free to email us at ssp@bsgroup.com.au or call us on 1300 666 612.

Business Success Group was joined by Senator the Hon Nick Sherry on Thursday in Brisbane for the launch of E-Nable, a free training program for Queensland small businesses.

50 local small businesses were present on Thursday at the Brisbane Marriott Hotel to launch Business Success Group’s free online training initiative, which will teach small businesses how to increase their online presence for the lowest cost.

The launch of the program, which is funded by the Federal Government under the Small Business Online initiative, was attended by the Minister for Small Business, Nick Sherry, who stated the importance of the correct online strategy in the modern business world.

“Some small operators aren’t fully aware of how having an e-Business capacity will better their business,” Senator Sherry said.

A Sensis e-Business report in August 2009 found that only 57 per cent of small businesses had an online presence.

“E-Nable throws down the gauntlet to Queensland small businesses to conquer any fears they may have and get online,” he said.

E-Nable will assist 400 small businesses in Queensland, with training to be conducted online, in workshops of up to 10 people at Brisbane, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Cairns, as well as one-on-one sessions.

The program covers three key areas: maximising a company’s online presence by developing the right type of website; how to make money off the website and integrating it into a business model, and getting the most out of e-marketing.

Business Success Group Director Steve Dewsbery said that small businesses are missing out on a larger share of the market, with many still not having websites, and others that do are not fulfilling their potential.

“For many small businesses an online presence is now as important as a physical shopfront, because consumers are now savvy enough to research products before buying,” Mr Dewsbery said.

He asks business owners to consider whether they would personally buy a product off of a website that lacks credibility, because that is the decision their own costumers face.

“The first place many consumers go to research is online – and if your website isn’t at the top of search listings, or targeted towards the right target market once they do click your link, you’re missing out on huge sales opportunities,” he said.

Registrations for the E-Nable program are now open to all Queensland small businesses with an ABN and fewer than 20 employees, and interested small business owners can call 07 3666 5900, or visit www.bsgroup.com.au/smallbusinessonline.aspx for more information and to register.

Senator the Hon Nick Sherry will join Business Success Group to launch its free E-Nable training program this Thursday at the Marriott Hotel in Brisbane.

The E-Nable program will provide assistance to 400 small businesses to help them avoid online pitfalls and increase their online presence.

E–Nable is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Small Business Online program.

“It’s a great honour for Senator Sherry to join Business Success Group in launching this fantastic new program that will help many Queensland small businesses,” said Business Success Group Director Steve Dewsbery.

E-Nable will be offered for free by Business Success Group to all Queensland small businesses with an ABN and with fewer than 20 employees.

“A lot of businesses still don’t have websites, and others that do simply aren’t using them effectively,” Mr Dewsbery said.

“Meanwhile, more and more consumers are embracing the concepts of searching the web for products and services, so businesses are losing out.”

The program will cover topics such as integrated online marketing strategies, developing online shopfronts, and minimising online costs.

“By developing the right online tactics small businesses can directly complete with much larger companies on an equal footing, and significantly improve their turnover,” Mr Dewsbery said.

“The E-Nable program will give them the skills, for free, to do exactly that and expand their horizons.”

Both the media and the public are invited to attend Thursday’s launch in the Adelaide Room at the Marriott Hotel, and further information sessions will be offered in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Cairns.

Registrations for the E-Nable program are now open, and interested small business owners can call 07 3666 5900, or visit www.bsgroup.com.au/smallbusinessonline.aspx for more information and to register.

Business Success Group is a Recognised Training Organisation, and has forged a strong relationship with federal governments – delivering Federal Government initiatives for 17 consecutive years.

Event details:

• Who: Senator the Hon Nick Sherry (Minister for Small Business), Steve Dewsbery (Business Success Group Director).
• What: Launch of E-Nable an Australian Government funded initiative under the Small Business Online program, and an introductory information workshop on the E-Nable program.
• When: Thursday 3:00-5:00pm, 23 September, 2010.
• Where: Adelaide Room, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, 515 Queen Street.

Press release 3/09/2010

Introductory information sessions for the e-nable program are being held in Toowoomba on the 13th of September.

Session Times

Morning Session: 10:00am-12:00pm

Evening Session: 4:30pm-6:30pm

The sessions will be held at the BSG Toowoomba office - 10 Russell Street, Toowoomba. If you wish to attend either of these sessions please fill out our online registration form.

The e-nable program is designed to assist small businesses by providing free online courses that demonstrate how to significantly enhance web presence and engage in e-business capabilities.

Taking advantage of simple online tools can help reduce running costs and greatly improve the marketing opportunities of small business.

E-Nable is an Australian Government funded initiative under the small business online program.

More information about the e-nable program is available from our e-nable information page.

Press release 1/09/2010

The e-nable program is designed to assist small businesses by providing free online courses that demonstrate how to significantly enhance web presence and engage in e-business capabilities.

Taking advantage of simple online tools can help reduce running costs and greatly improve the marketing opportunities of small business.

E-Nable is an Australian Government funded initiative under the small business online program.

Overview

The program will be delivered as a series of online tutorials with optional face-to-face introductory information sessions available. Times, dates and locations of our information sessions are located on our e-nable information page. The course is designed to help small business owners understand concepts such as web hosting, search engine optimisation, cloud computing, online purchasing and online billing. Participants are able to pick and choose from any of the topics on offer.

Course enrolments can be made by visiting our elearning website and creating an account. Creating an account will give you free access to the program from the 30th of August 2010 to the 30th of July 2011.

More information about the e-nable program is available from our e-nable information page.

Press release 26/08/2010

Employees living or working in New South Wales can now apply to complete a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level qualification at Business Success Group (BSG) with funding assistance from the Australian Government.

Under the Productivity Place Program, part of the Australian governments Skilling Australia for the Future initiative, applicants can reduce the cost of completing a qualification by around 90%.

Currently funding is available for the following qualifications:

• Certificate IV in Project Management
• Diploma of Accounting
• Diploma of Information Technology
• Diploma of Retail Management
• Diploma of Government
• Diploma of Government (Management)
• Diploma of Government (Financial Management)
• Diploma of Government (Policy Development)
• Advanced Diploma of Government

“This provides both employers and employees a mutually beneficial situation” BSG director Steve Dewsbery said. “The training programs provide business with a unique opportunity to train their staff at an extremely reduced cost.”

“Because the training programs are designed to be completed by people in the workforce, they are structured so as not to impact on an average 9-5 working day.”

Training delivery can be done either on a self-paced correspondence basis, or for group enrolments BSG is able to conduct in-house or offsite workshops in a flexible format. Training programs can be customised for group enrolments to reflect the day to day activities of the organisations.

More information is available from the BSG website at www.bsgroup.com.au/funding

Press release 12/08/2010

Are you a small business owner or representative of a venture that employs 20 staff or less and wish to significantly increase your web presence?

Business Success Group introduces an Australian Government funded initiative under the small business online program. We invite you to read on for further information and to attend our FREE Public Information Seminar occurring across the Darling Downs region on the 24th and 25th of August, 2010

The objective of e-nable is to assist small businesses by providing free online courses that demonstrate how to significantly enhance web presence and engage in e-business capabilities.

Seminars are available for all to attend and will be held on the:

24th August		25th August
Chinchilla		Stanthorpe
9:30 - 11:30am Chinchilla RSL Memorial Club 61 Heeney St, Chinchilla		9:30 - 11:30am The Hub - Community Services Building 8 Conundum St, Stanthorpe
Dalby		Warwick
1:00 - 3:00pm Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry 107 Drayton St, Dalby		1:00 - 3:00pm Jackie Howe Conference Room Cnr of Palmerin and Victoria Streets, Warwick

For more information or to confirm your eligibility and attendance, please contact Business Success Group today.

More information about the enable program is located on our e-nable information page.

Press release 12/08/2010

Business Success Group will begin running its next NEIS course in Brisbane on August 30th.

We will be running an information session for eligible applicants on August 30th. More details are located here.

Further details about the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) can be viewed on our NEIS overview page.

If you wish to apply for NEIS you can download an application kit from our NEIS applications page.

Press release 26/07/2010

Business Success Group has received an additional allocation of funding from the Australian Government for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). Courses will begin running in Brisbane and Cairns on August 9th.

Further details about the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) can be viewed on our NEIS overview page.

If you wish to apply for NEIS you can download an application kit from our NEIS applications page.

Press release 20/07/2010

With the start of the new financial year the Queensland Government has changed the structure of the User Choice Traineeships program. Business Success Group has altered our pricing structure to accommodate these changes. In addition to the student contribution fee, a course fee will now apply. This fee is payable by either the employer or the trainee.

Further details about the new structure can be viewed on our traineeships page.

Press Release 23/06/2010

Toowoomba jobseekers are buoyed by the continued creation of employment opportunities across the region indicated by a 4.3% rise in total job ads placed in May as identified by the ANZ job advertisement series.

As employers continue to hire, an increased demand for skills is placed across a number of industries. The State Government, in identifying these areas of skill demand has partnered with Training Providers across the state to provide fully funded training for eligible jobseekers under the Productivity Places Program.

Business Success Group, local registered training organisation and preferred provider, advertised nationally recognised qualifications in Certificate II and III in Business under the program. Toowoomba Area Manager, Sheree King says “The interest in the courses was overwhelming. All the employment service providers across the region came on board – it really is a great opportunity to start or advance a career in an area of identified skill demand”.

Thirteen enthusiastic Toowoomba students took advantage of the opportunity and last week attended their graduation and received their certificates. Marketing and Business Development Coordinator, Steve Collier says, ‘It really was a credit to this group, they showed initiative and were up beat and committed to completing the courses. Many of them were discussing and applying for positions prior to their graduation.’

For more information on the Productivity Places Program and upcoming courses, jobseekers should visit our Productivity Places Program webpage.

Press release 05/05/2010

Cairns local, Peter Cullin, last week was the episode winner of the popular ABC program, The New Inventors, placing his invention in the running to win invention of the year.

The Cullector saves water, energy and money, by using only the principles of fluid dynamics and the power of the showers pressure to save and redistribute every last drop of the countless litres of water wasted while the shower warms up. The beauty is, while the device sounds complex, it is a simple DIY installation and far more efficient than a bucket on the shower floor.

Peter’s idea was spawned out of his concern for the environment and strong social ethic and the first steps to converting his idea into a reality were taken 4 years ago. It was at this stage, while unemployed, that Peter applied for funding through the Commercialising Emerging Technologies project and the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme delivered through the Business Success Group.

Peter received training, a nationally recognised business qualification and financial support under NEIS and such was his business acumen and enthusiasm for the program, that he was employed by BSG to train and mentor other prospective small business operators in the Cairns region.

Peter says. ‘I believed in The Cullector and its benefits from the start and the assistance I received along the way, definitely helped make it a reality. NEIS provides people with a strong grounding in business and a real opportunity to break the cycle and become independent through their own ventures.’

The Cullector has attracted not only the ABC’s attention but also that of major manufacturers and retailers. From what started as a simple idea for a good cause, has transformed into a product that soon could be a part of our daily lives. Peter encourages others with similar dreams to follow them and uses his success as an example of the potential results.

To see Peter’s appearance on the New Inventors, you can visit the New Inventors Website and to learn more about the Cullector or to contact Peter, visit www.cullector.com.au.

For prospective small business owners interested in the NEIS scheme, visit our NEIS information page.

Press release 18/12/2009

Commonwealth Traineeships for Existing Workers offer a flexible self-paced study pathway for current staff to attain a nationally recognised qualification. Approval of a Commonwealth Traineeship will attract payment of Commonwealth employer incentives of around $4,400.

Training

Business Success Group offers a comprehensive range of nationally recognised qualifications that are eligible for Existing Worker Traineeships. Options include:

• BSB40207 Certificate IV in Business
• BSB40507 Certificate IV in Business Administration
• BSB40607 Certificate IV in Business Sales
• BSB40807 Certificate IV in Frontline Management
• BSB41007 Certificate IV in Human Resources
• BSB41307 Certificate IV in Marketing
• BSB41507 Certificate IV in Project Management
• FNS30107 Certificate III in Financial Services
• FNS40107 Certificate IV in Financial Services
• FNS40207 Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping)
• FNS40604 Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting)
• SIR40207 Certificate IV in Retail Management

Funding

Employers will need to contact an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) to obtain specific funding advice and to complete necessary traineeship paperwork.

Eligibility

By definition, existing workers are those employees who have been employed:

• for longer than three months full-time, or
• for longer than 12 months part-time.

Contact Business Success Group on 1300 666 612 to confirm your eligibility.

Press release  18/12/2009

Business Success Group (BSG) has been contracted by the Australian Government to deliver funded training, which will enable small businesses to maximise their participation in the digital economy, under the Small Business Online Program (SBO).

The objective of the Small Business Online Program is designed to assist small businesses, including home based businesses, to go online, significantly enhance their web presence, increase their website usage and engage in e-business capabilities, in order to help reduce their costs and improve their market opportunities.

BSG Director Steve Dewsbery stated that “SBO offers an excellent opportunity for small businesses to decrease their running costs and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly digitised world.”

Further information about the delivery of the Small Business Online Program will be announced early next year.

Edit 21/05/2010

Further information is now available on our Small Business Online Program page.

Press release 17/12/2009

Under 2010 funding arrangements with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training (DET), Business Success Group (BSG) is offering up to 200 places for existing workers in a range of vocational qualifications.

The Productivity Places Program is part of the Australian Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future initiative. It offers employers and employees a mutually beneficial, federally subsidised method to increase their skill set and gain a nationally accredited qualification.

Funding for the following qualifications is available throughout 2010:

• Diploma of Government
• Diploma of Government (Financial Services)
• Diploma of Government (Management)
• Diploma of Government (Policy Development)
• >Advanced Diploma of Government

These programs are available to eligible public sector staff in all sectors of government throughout New South Wales. Each course is fully funded by DET and valued at between $5,000 and $10,000. The only cost incurred is a small administration fee which is charged in-line with TAFE NSW fees. Each qualification has a limited amount of places available and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

In recognising the individual circumstances of existing workers, BSG offers these courses in a flexible and customised, self-paced format. Each participant is assigned a dedicated and experienced trainer who is contactable during working hours to provide full ongoing support throughout the program.

Business Success Group also offers flexible workshop programs free of charge for three (3) or more participants at any location within New South Wales. These workshops are customised for each group and can be delivered at your workplace or at another venue in your area.

If you, or any members of your staff would like to capitalise on this opportunity, please call our enquiries centre on 1300 666 612 or email us at nswppp@bsgroup.com.

More information is avaliable via our New South Wales Productivity Places Program webpage.

Press release   23/10/2009

With Melbourne Cup just around the corner, interest in the betting ring will be rivaled by the flamboyance displayed in fashion circles as nation-wide celebrations bring the two industries together. From Clifford Park to Flemington, ladies will be dressing up to look their best and local business owner of NB Styles, Sonya De Wit, is ready for the influx.

“My priority is to have my best designs on offer for women in the Toowoomba region during the spring carnival and in to the festive season,” says Ms De Wit.

One of her most popular and prized designers is local entrepreneur, Leanne Sidor who designs and hand makes a range of hats and fashion accessories. Leanne describes her designs as focused on expressing individual personalities. Leanne’s creations are as versatile as they are unique, with an emphasis on producing fashion items incorporating different eras, styles, colours and designs with wearer’s personalities in mind rather than defining them to a single event.

“Leanne’s pieces are great – many customers are not only looking for fashion items for cup day that can also be worn at other events, such as weddings as well as on a more casual or day to day basis and her creations serve them well in this respect. I have had so many glowing reports from satisfied customers” says Sonya.

So impressed by Leanne’s talent is Sonya, that she plans to introduce her creations to international markets when she travels abroad later this year.

Talent is not the only contribution to her current success, as she is now a graduate of Business Success Group, She was eligible for training and support under the Government’s New Enterprise Initiative Scheme. As an unemployed job seeker but with obvious creative talents, the BSG team guided her through the training which equipped her with the business skills and tools which have seen her enterprise flourish. Through her hard work and dedication in combination with training and on-going support from BSG under the program, Leanne is now fulfilling her dream of being in the business of doing something she loves and joins the growing list of NEIS success stories in the region.

“I have always been an artist. My grandmother was a seamstress and I learned a lot from her. I have dabbled in a lot of different creative mediums but am passionate about my fashion creations now. I could not have made the transition from my passion to starting my business without the support of the NEIS program, the BSG team and Sonya’s support at N B Style” Leanne says.

While Sonya and her customers envisage a bright future for Leanne, the designer is ambitious but modest and considerate with her plans to expand including giving other like minded job seekers a chance to learn her trade and she wants to keep production on Australian shores.

There is good news for all involved as for the fashion conscious, Leanne’s current range continues to evolve and her unique creations will be stocked exclusively at NB Style. While for budding entrepreneurs, the NEIS program is available through BSG for eligible job seekers.

For enquiries about Leanne’s range, please contact Sonya at NB Style on (07) 4638 1777. For information about NEIS please contact BSG Toowoomba on (07) 4632 7244.

Date posted: 20 October 2009

Following a recent review of IBA’s Business Consultancy Service, a raft of new initiatives to better assist Indigenous Australians will be rolled out over the next few months.

To allow IBA to smoothly transition these new initiatives, they have renegotiated a standing offer contract with Preferred Service Providers (including BSG) through to 30 June 2010.

Date posted: 6 August 2009

Business Success Group Pty Ltd (BSG) today launched an innovative student web portal for all BSG students. The portal gives students greater control over their own learning. Students can now securely login and view personalised information such as when resources were issued, when assessments are due, and what result they achieved for each unit in their qualification. The portal means that students can check their progress at anytime. Student can also check their own contact details, ensuring that trainers can deliver information quickly and effectively. The portal reinforces Business Success Group's focus on student learning and achievement. Current BSG students can contact their trainer for more information. Future BSG students should call 1300 666 612 or submit an enquiry for information on courses.

Date posted: 8 May 2009

The Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has released the NEIS Star Ratings for the performance period 1 July 2008 to 31 December 2008. Business Success Group achieved 4 1/2 star ratings (out of 5) in its two current contracts covering Southern Queensland and Central & North Queensland. These ratings were the highest in Queensland. These excellent ratings are based on a combination of factors such as successfully identifying and recruiting new candidates, hands-on mentoring, and business guidance to ensure successful completion.

Date posted: 11 May 2009

At the recent Downs Group Training 2009 Awards Ceremony two of BSG's trainees took out prizes:

• Joccoaa Lavell (school based trainee undertaking BSB30407 - Cert III in Business Administration) won the 2009 Encouragement Award of the Year
• Emma Caulfield (FT trainee undertaking BSB31107 - Cert III in Business Administration - Medical) won 2009 Trainee of the Year