Growth & Export

Doing business in Japan has often presented cultural difficulties for westerners. However, as our expat entrepreneur living in Tokyo Jon Sparks reveals in this new series, Japan might be in the shadow of the emerging markets of China and India, but is still one of the best places in Asia for entrepreneurs to operate.

A Queensland entrepreneur is hoping Chinese demand will solve one of northern Australia’s most pressing natural problems: cane toads.

A Queensland entrepreneur is hoping Chinese demand will solve one of northern Australia’s most pressing natural problems: cane toads.

Market research company and business information provider IBISWorld has recently released its findings on Australia’s leading export industries for 2010 and their outlook for the next five years.

This instalment focuses on Dr John Papandriopoulos, who in 2007 as a 30-year-old University of Melbourne research fellow revolutionised broadband by developing an algorithm that speeds up ADSL connections by up to 100 times.

During this evening networking event, attendees will learn from successful Australian business builders who have "been there, done that" and employed grant assistance as an instrumental part of their ongoing commercial success.

It was widely predicted that 2009 was going to be the year that hit the first world economies the hardest when it came to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). And for many it did just that. Australia, however, managed to weather the worst of it. Tim Harcourt reports on Australia’s strong export industry and showcases some shining examples of Australian exporters growing in these turbulent times.

Promising Australian technology companies seeking lower-risk entry to UK and European markets are being offered up to 12 months free accommodation in Welsh innovation centres in a new 'try before you buy' initiative.

According to the latest rankings released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, China is again our number one trading partner. But it raises the question: Do we have too many eggs in the China basket?

It is generally thought that a soaring Aussie dollar is terrible for exporters. However, as Austrade's Chief Economist Tim Harcourt reveals, there are two sides to every coin.

Sydney-based software company Nuix Pty Ltd has been awarded the NSW government's top technology export award, the 2009 Australian Technology Showcase (ATS) Patrons' Award.

Sydney-based software company Nuix Pty Ltd has been awarded the NSW government's top technology export award, the 2009 Australian Technology Showcase (ATS) Patrons' Award.

The news yesterday that the Federal Government has unveiled details of its $196 million Commercialisation Australia (CA) initiative has been welcomed by many entrepreneurs and innovation consultants. These same intended beneficiaries might also be forgiven for wondering whether it is an improvement on the $1 billion Commercial Ready Scheme it is designed to replace.

The news yesterday that the Federal Government has unveiled details of its $196 million Commercialisation Australia (CA) initiative has been welcomed by many entrepreneurs and innovation consultants. These same intended beneficiaries might also be forgiven for wondering whether it is an improvement on the $1 billion Commercial Ready Scheme it is designed to replace.

The US remains the largest developed market in the world and a big influence on other global markets. It remains important for any company with global ambitions. The current economic environment does not do a lot to encourage Australian firms to focus on the US. However, innovative new models and technology have dramatically changed the cost of entering and developing the US market. Australian firms can now do much of the early market development work without having to hire a US-based team.

Ten years ago, Australia’s ‘old economy’ looked to be an emerging liability. In the next ten years, however, this same ‘old economy’ foundation – expertly equipped to fuel the emerging Asian economies – will likely deliver unparalleled opportunities for transformation and national prosperity. So say Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist at Austrade, and Chris Richardson, Director of Access Economics.

Design Victoria today launched Transform Your Design Business, an online guide that aims to equip designers with the know-how to successfully navigate the grants space and write strong grant applications.

Australia’s IT industry received a shot in the arm this week when Silicon Valley firm GitHub spurned its selection of local providers - some of the world’s biggest hosting companies - in favour of Sydney web developers Anchor. Why? Anchor founder Andrew Rogers cites the vampiresque habits of programmers.

California-based Australian retail export advisor Chad Hetherington has met with hundreds of Aussie entrepreneurs all hoping to crack the lucrative US retail market. Of the products they offer, he says, less than one percent has a realistic shot at making it big in the Land of Opportunity. So what does it take to make it?

If you ever spot Dr Sam Prince in Canberra's John James Hospital, make sure you congratulate him for winning this year's 30under30 Award. The entrepreneur-in-disguise has founded two enterprises on national and international levels and won a string of awards to his name.