Tasmania’s best and brightest will today explore creative solutions to help local micro-businesses grow and create jobs, as part of the next National Innovation Games.

More than 95 per cent of Tasmania’s 40,000 businesses are small businesses, and the majority of these are what we term micro-businesses, which are businesses with annual revenue of less than $2 million and employing between one and four people.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said businesses, students and graduates will gather in Hobart with the view to helping these businesses scale-up.

“You only need to visit Salamanca Markets to see some of the incredible micro-businesses Tasmania has to offer. We’re keen to help these businesses to grow and see them take on the country and possibly even the world,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Games are a fantastic opportunity for participants to work together on innovative ways we can grow the economy and create jobs.

“Students and graduates will put fresh ideas to the test and business owners will have the chance to learn from each other how best to embrace technology to drive productivity.

“The Morrison Government is committed to helping more Australian small businesses grow, that’s why we’re providing $3.5 million over two years for the delivery of these Games.”

The Hobart Games is one of up to 30 events taking place across metropolitan and regional areas over the next two years.

Helping small and medium sized businesses to innovate is part of the Morrison Government’s plan to grow the economy and create 1.25 million jobs over the next five years.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia is delivering the Games in conjunction with Paddl Co.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070