April 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free government family-friendly grant to boost small business
The Federal Government recently announced that small businesses with fewer than 15 staff
can now apply for grants between $5,000 and $15,000 to put in place family-friendly work
arrangements.
The Fresh Ideas for Work and Family grants will provide small businesses opportunities to
implement previously cost prohibitive family-friendly measures to attract and retain staff,
maximize profitability and create a workplace that supports staff with young families.
To take advantage of these grants applications need to be lodged by 24 April 2009 and
businesses need to clearly specify which services they would like to introduce, with each
application to be judged on its own merits.
Expect A Star, Australian specialist provider of childcare and education services and Finalist in
the 2008 Telstra Business Awards, is offering small businesses free advice on how to complete
the grant application forms while also providing a unique, tailored package of services to make
the workplace more family-friendly.
Ryan Meldrum, CEO of Expect A Star, sees the grants as a not-to-be-missed opportunity for
small businesses to compete with big business in the recruitment and retention of staff.
“Previously only big business could afford to consider offering family-friendly benefits like
expert advice lines for parents, workplace parenting seminars or easy, cost effective access to
emergency babysitting services,” Ryan said.
“These grants are a forward-looking approach to creating the same opportunities for all families
and a workforce ethos that brings Australia in line with that of the worlds most developed
nations.
“We believe that our Corporate Family Program offers small businesses a great package of
services to help them run a profitable business while supporting their staff with young families.”
Ryan said.
To get in touch with Expect A Star for free help completing the Fresh Ideas for Work and
Infoline on 1300 363 264.
MEDIA CONTACT: Penny Rose, Marketing Elements, P: 02 9360 3600; E:
penny@marketingelements.com.au or Cecelia Haddad on 0411 264 948.
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