Innovation, Science and Technology unit (IST) offers a range of programs designed to enhance the business skills of Tasmanian business innovators, inventors and scientists.   These include:

       The Innovation Development Early Assessment System Applications Invited
                 Market Ready Commercialisation Program Applications Invited
                 Tasmanian Enterprise Workshops
                 Other skills programs and services offered by Economic Development

You may also be interested in our grants and funding programs or upcoming events.

<< back

The Innovation Development Early Assessment System (IDEAS)

Many individuals believe that the leap from a new idea to market entry is only a short distance and they often do not recognise how complex, costly and time consuming the process can be. Consequently, it is important to assess the commercial feasibility of new ideas very early in the innovation process because it is the least costly stage in which to identify and eliminate likely failures.

The IDEAS program is a low-cost, comprehensive and systematic method by which you can make an early assessment of the commercial strengths and weaknesses of your ideas. By using the method, you can expand your capacity to identify ideas that warrant further development and plan how that development should take place.

The IDEAS method was developed and delivered by Associate Professor Jack English, from the Australian Innovation Research Centre (AIRC). During his career, Associate Professor Jack English has developed and introduced a variety of programs focused on entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and commercialisation. He is the author of 23 books including How to Organise and Operate a Small Business in Australia, which has been in print for more than 25 years in 10 editions.

The IDEAS program is designed for those Tasmanians who have an innovative idea or an innovative product, service or process that needs further development.

Applications open until 6 August 2008.

Click here to view the application form (MS Word)

Market Ready Commercialisation Program

The Market Ready Commercialisation Program (Market Ready) will provide you with the skills necessary to take your innovative ideas to market and to undertake commercialisation and business growth.  Market Ready is a series of facilitated workshops that increase commercial success for Tasmanian innovators.  The program provides successful applicants with 10 days of free professional assistance, valued in excess of $5,000.

Delivered by a consortium of highly knowledgeable business experts the program is for businesses involved in research and development and commercialisation and covers:

• intellectual property protection and development strategies
• corporate governance
• exporting
• production, sales and distribution
• marketing
• go-to market models
• financial forecasting and
• investment attraction.

Selection for the program is based on the level of innovation of the project and the stage of growth of the company applying.  The program is conducted two times per year at venues around the State.

Profiles of Presenters

Find out more from the Information Flyer, or download an application form (PDF version) or (Word version).

<< back

Tasmanian Enterprise Workshop

What is the Tasmanian Enterprise Workshop (TEW)

The Tasmanian Enterprise Workshop is a not-for-profit organisation administered by a voluntary board. The key objective is to assist Tasmanian business to advance by developing fundamental business skills through practical team based learning.

The 2005 and 2006 programs have been made possible through collaboration with the  Department of Economic Development and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

What is the TEW Program

The program is team based practical learning designed to develop real-life business ideas and opportunities.

TEW is not a training course, and has delivered benefits to participants for the past 25 years by providing practical skills for developing business ideas into ventures.

The program introduces a realistic competitive element so you can practice your competitive business skills, and ultimately a team is selected to represent the State at national finals at the end of the program year.

Ideally teams are a mix of individuals, medium size business and larger corporate business and the program is open to private and public sector participants. The aim of the program is practical learning, and the best way to learn is in teams, and the best teams consist of members with a mix of backgrounds.

The program is open to virtually anyone with a business idea or opportunity, irrespective of whether they are considering starting a new business, expanding an existing business, or work within an organisation.

2006 Enterprise Workshop Program

The Program will run during 2006 in a similar format to the 2005 program. Participants will form teams to determine the feasibility of an idea or opportunity, potentially graduate to the Department of Economic Development’s Market Ready Commercialisation Program, and if selected to progress to the final step, represent the State at the National Enterprise Workshop final.

The program will consist of a series of workshops to be held during and outside business hours in both the North and South of the State, and will run between April and October 2006.

Contact Details

Email: tew@tcci.com.au

Judy Phair
Program Administration
Ph: 6236 3666

Colin Allen 
Program Director 
Ph: 0408 442 750 

<< back

Other skills programs and services offered by the
Department of Economic Development are:

Please note that by clicking on these links you will directed to another area of the Department of Economic Development's web site.

Export and Market Skills Development
Assistance to Tasmanian enterprises desiring to develop or expand sales of products or services into national and international markets.  Offered by the Export and Market Development unit.

Finance and Facilitation Program
A resource for businesses requiring financial assistance. Provides assistance to firms to determine the best way of providing the funding needed to sustain growth and to encourage the development of new and emerging activities.

Business Licence Information Service (BLIS)
A free service that provides details of all licences required to operate a business in Tasmania, including Commonwealth and Local Government requirements.  Offered by the Enterprise Development and Employment unit.

Business Point
A comprehensive referral and information service to assist Tasmanian businesses.  Offered by the Enterprise Development and Employment unit.

Enterprise Centre Program
Aimed at providing information, practical support and guidance to prospective and established micro-business operators in the local community.   Offered by the Enterprise Development and Employment unit.

Mentor Resources Tasmania (MRT)
Provides a free, state-wide small business support program through the use of volunteer mentors drawn from the business community. This assistance is aimed at existing small businesses which need help to survive, succeed and grow.  Supported by the Enterprise Development and Employment unit.

Patent Attorney
You can access a Patent Attorney service through the Department of Economic Development.  For information about how to book a free half hour consultant with an attorney contact Business Point on 1800 440 026. 

Top of page