News and Events

NSW Pitch '08 - Call for Applications
Applications are now called for NSW Pitch ‘08, a major event designed to connect innovative business ventures with development capital, and the chance to win prizes to the value of over $60,000. NSW Pitch ‘08, to be delivered by the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board Limited (ASSOB) and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD), offers businesses and projects the chance to gain valuable experience and exposure from pitching a business concept to industry experts and investors. More>>

2008 Hunter Export Awards
Now in its seventh year, the annual Hunter Export Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding success of the Hunter's exporters across a range of sectors. The awards showcase innovative Hunter businesses and reward and profile the 'best of the best' businesses taking the Hunter to the world. There is recognition of the effort, expertise and resources that they have consistently contributed to export. Applications for the awards are now open. More>> 

MAP Marketing Fastest Growing 2008®
Winners for the largest tribute to private enterprise in the Hunter, the MAP Marketing Fastest Growing® 2008 have been announced. More>> 

Australian Anthill Cool Company Awards 2008
Nominations are now open for the Australian Anthill 2008 Cool Company Awards. The inaugural Cool Company Awards was launched in February 2006, as a way for Anthill magazine to recognise Australian companies that are doing things differently - defying business conventions, launching exciting new products, implementing new ways to do business, undertaking 'rule-breaking' thought leadership, challenging the status quo. More>> 

ACCC launches new Little Black Book of Scams
The little black book of scams highlights a variety of popular scams that regularly target Australian consumers and small business in areas such as fake lotteries, internet shopping, mobile phones, online banking, employment and investment opportunities. More>>

2008 Hunter Investment Prospectus
The Hon. Michael Costa, Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for the Hunter recently launched the 2008 Hunter Investment Prospectus. The publication includes information such as economic drivers, major industries, the workforce, industrial land, commercial developments, transport and access to markets, the Port of Newcastle, airports, lifestyle, local government areas and more. To receive a copy of the 2008 Hunter Investment Prospectus, please contact the Hunter Economic Development Corporation.

Waste as Art (WAA)
Now in its 9th year, Waste as Art (WAA) encourages residents of the Hunter Valley to turn waste into creative, interesting, inspired, and even crazy art pieces. It's about using our resources wisely, and showing our community that waste is not always waste and that it can be a useful resource, and also a source of inspiration. More>>

Government Launches $250 Million Enterprise Connect Network
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has launched the Rudd Labor Government's $251 million Enterprise Connect network. Enterprise Connect will provide Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to the best advice, technology and research. The centres will offer top quality business and management advisory services. More>>

NSW Business & Innovation Expos 2008 
Business & Innovation Expos delivered by Regional Events Australia are about bringing together the local business community in one place, at one time: A day or two of working on your business, not just in your business. Events will be taking place in the Hunter and Central Coast. More>>

Engineering Excellence Awards 08
The Sydney Division Engineering Excellence Awards program is the pinnacle of Engineers Australia Sydney Division professional calendar. The Awards recognise the commitment engineers make to the wellbeing of the community, the excellent levels of engineering achieved and the innovative work being performed every day by the engineering profession. Entries for the Awards are now being called. More>>

Visiting Patent Attorney Service
The IDC is offering innovators a free initial consultation with a Patent Attorney from Davies Collison Cave, a leading Australian Patent and Trade Mark Attorney firm. Every month the IDC in conjunction with Davies Collison Cave Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, undertake consultations with innovators, giving legal advice on innovations and how to protect them. More>>

Clean Business Australia
The Government has allocated $240 million to Clean Busines Australia to establish a partnership with business and industry to deliver energy and water efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation. More>>