Australia announces fund for innovative textile firms

The Gillard Government will deliver $2.58 million in funding to 74 innovative TCF businesses to improve their business enterprise culture, stimulate innovation, promote sustainable growth and keep manufacturing in Australia.

"The textile, clothing and footwear sector is an integral part of our manufacturing sector with many businesses based in regional Australia,” Senator Lundy said.

“A variety of innovative projects will be funded under the program including implementing e-commerce strategies and improving manufacturing processes. These innovative projects will help ensure the industry’s international competitiveness and long-term viability in these challenging times.

“By undertaking these projects the 74 businesses stand a better chance of succeeding in a tough environment and ensuring job prospects are more secure."

The TCF Small Business Program is part of the Gillard Government's $406 million TCF Innovation Package, which also includes the $112.5 million Clothing and Household Textile (Building Innovative Capability) scheme to support innovation and the $35 million TCF Strategic Capability Program to boost innovative capacity.

To support the textile, clothing and footwear industry the Gillard Government has established a TCF Industry Innovation Council to bring business, unions, researchers and Government together to champion innovation and provide strategic advice and has established a National TCF Innovation Network to support collaboration between companies and between industry, researchers and educational institutions.

Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation