A new, national not-for-profit (NFP) body has been established to represent SMEs around the country, promising to deliver group buying facilities, professional advice and networking opportunities to its members.
The SME Association of Australia (SMEAA) officially launched late last week, and will offer a range of benefits to its members. It aims to reach 10,000 new members by the end of 2012 and 50,000 by 2017.
The SMEAA will publish a magazine, hold regular events, awards and PitchFest programs and forge links with international SME associations to help its members increase their global knowledge and networks.
SMEAA CEO Dr. Caroline Hong said Australia hasn’t had a national SME Association prior to now, despite the large number of small businesses here, like many other countries have.
“We have a very clear mission to provide services that will help them connect with each other and with big business locally and internationally, to help them grow and succeed, create sustainability, jobs and ultimately, a prosperous healthy nation.”
SMEAA membership is open to sole traders, SMEs, corporate partners, government bodies, associations, NFP organisations, SME suppliers and school and university students.
It’s also keen to work with retired entrepreneurs and small businesses run by migrants and women, as these groups “represent a significant portion of the SME sector.”
