Media releases

Monday, 6 July 2009

Bima wear goes digital

The Hon. Warren Snowdon, Member for Lingiari, today congratulated Bima Wear on Bathurst Island for pursuing technology to build their textile business and winning a $33,660 grant under the Australian Government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program.

"The grant is great news for Bima Wear and Bathurst Island in what was, I am told, a hotly contested round of funding," Mr Snowdon said.

“For 40 years the Tiwi women have been creating incredible printed fabrics and clothes through Bima Wear and this funding will be a spring board for the company to increase output, strengthen its business enterprise culture and boost its competitiveness.

"With the grant, Bima Wear intends to introduce a computer-based system to digitise print design, and reduce dependence on external support.

“It’s marvellous to see a Territory company like Bima Wear embrace the Rudd Government’s strong commitment to innovation and enterprise.”

Bima Wear was one of 68 Australian small businesses to be offered funding totalling $2.6 million recently announced by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr. Grants range up to a maximum of $50,000.

The TCF Small Business Program is providing $25 million in grants over 10 years to Australia’s small designers and manufacturers.

AusIndustry, which runs the program, is responsible for more than 30 programs to help Australian businesses. They include innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business development, industry support and venture capital.

"So give AusIndustry a call, and see how they might be able to help your company become more innovative and competitive," Mr Snowdon said.

For further information on the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program visit AusIndustry’s website at www.ausindustry.gov.au, call the hotline 13 28 46, or email the hotline at hotline@ausindustry.gov.au

For more information on Bima Wear visit www.bimawear.com

Media contact: Kate Sieper 0488 484 689

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 08 July 2009.