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Ten high-performing SMEs from around Australia have been selected to undertake the 2016 ANZ Business Growth Program.
The program, developed by Professor Jana Matthews, director of the Centre of Business Growth at the University of South Australia, is a nine-month intensive course aimed to help businesses build a foundation for long-term growth.
It is open to management teams of ANZ business customers with less than 200 employees and more than $5 million in annual sales.
Australian fashion designer Ellery, hospitality management company The Publican Group and online cosmetics retailer Ry.com.au are among the 10 businesses chosen to undertake the course in 2016.
Professor Matthews said accelerating growth in a competitive market place is a challenge for any executive, especially those running SMEs who spend much of their time working in the business, rather than on the business.
“The ANZ Business Growth Program gives CEOs the tools, knowledge and skills to identify barriers holding them back and strategies to help them grow,” she said.
“The 10 companies who participated in 2015 have since created 114 jobs in total and achieved an aggregate 24 per cent increase in revenue, taking earnings from $132 million to $164 million.”
ANZ’s general manager of business banking, Tania Motton, said the group’s role is more than just providing finance or banking services.
“We play an important part in helping businesses develop and grow. This includes supporting their entry into offshore markets and better understanding their customers’ current and future needs,” she said.
“Since the program started, 30 per cent of businesses have opened up offices in new countries and 40 per cent are now selling their products and services in nine new countries.”
[Related: Do state differences impact SMEs' state of mind?]
