The Small Business Advocacy Team has been established to support Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhance their opportunities to operate and grow in the Defence industry sector.
Liaising across all groups and services in Defence, the Advocacy Team will:
- elevate understanding and awareness of commonly reported issues and challenges
- influence Defence procurement policy to remove barriers to participation
- develop specific policies and programs to provide enhanced opportunities
- support improved communications and delivery of critical services from Defence.
The Advocacy Team will primarily remain connected with SMEs through intermediaries, to deliver these key functions:
- consult with stakeholders to identify and understand issues
- engage with senior Defence officials to address identified and confirmed issues
- support education programs for delivery to Defence and industry stakeholders
- engage with other advocacy bodies to compare insights and align activities and efforts
- assist Defence to structure programs and activities to maximise SME opportunities
- communicate with stakeholders on details of activities, efforts, achievements and future plans.