Frequently Asked Questions

What is the K.C.E.C.?

The K.C.E.C. is one of a number of enterprise centres around Tasmania. Each is a partnership between the Department of Economic Development and a non-profit incorporated organisation administered by a board elected from members of its local community. The Centre provides a range of free business advice services to small and medium enterprises.

What does the KCEC do?

KCEC Centre Staff, David and Scott, provide confidential effective assistance to local business people: running a business, starting a business, rescue advice , expanding a business, employing staff, identifying government assisted programs.

How does it help businesses?

The K.C.E.C. supplies practical, problem solving advice to business and is a local source of information about government (State and Federal) business programs. In addition, it arranges local training programs such as G.S.T. startup and TAFE business courses, identifies local job opportunities and is a source of information for business networking.

Does it lend or grant money for business development?

No. The staff are qualified to give general advice and they refer clients to business specialists as necessary. All advice is free.

If it is a free service, who pays?

The Enterprise Centre applies for funds from the DED by means of a written submission which is assessed on a competitive basis. Enterprise Centres which are successful agree to deliver elements of the Business Tasmania Small Business Program as part of the deal. DED funding does not cover the total costs of Enterprise Centres. In the case of the K.C.E.C., the Kingborough Council contributes a significant proportion of the costs. The balance of the money required to run the centre comes from local corporate sponsors, service clubs and subscriptions from members.

Why should I pay $22 to become a member?

For a number of reasons: No business is an island. If it tried to be, it would instantly cease to exist. Every business is intertwined with its local community and is responsible to it to some degree. We need your money. Although the K.C.E.C. is a non-profit organisation, we are, in our own way, a business . If our income is limited, our services must be limited. The $22 is fully tax deductible, (assuming you are in business) so that your membership will costs you little in way of money but will be of benefit beyond its cost, to the community.

What's in it for me?

Payoffs can take a number of forms: "warm and fuzzies" resulting from the knowledge that you have contributed to a worthwhile activity. Not only might it be your subscription which keeps us in business - but also we might be useful to you someday. participation in opportunity nights when you can meet other local business people. Networking always brings rewards, no matter what the size or kind of your business. I've never seen or heard of you. Where are you and how big are you? Our two offices are situated at 11 Hutchins St. Kingston and 14 Skinner Dr. Huonville. We have one full time Manager and a part time Business Advisor as required. We have 115 paid up members.

How successful are you?

That depends on how you measure success. In terms of jobs, we are ahead of budget with 61 full and part time jobs either created or secured in Kingborough in our first full year of operation. It is usual for about 100 people to walk through the office door seeking business help, information or advice. We publish bi-annual newsletters which contain information of use to local businesses and promote local business clients who have graduated though the Enterprice Centre program. A data base is being developed of and for local businesses.

You win! How do I become a member?

Either pay your subscription to David Cleary, Manager of the K.C.E.C. (phone 6229 9200) or a member of the board who will pass it on to David.

A Membership application form can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

KCEC Membership Form