• Finally, a unique program that provides relevant learning specifically for Small Business.
• The key essential principles are learnt over 3 months to achieve immediate outcomes in your business.
• Learning by doing projects and activities in your workplace, creating significant improvements.
• Meaningful and uncomplicated printed materials to support your learning.
• An effective Induction into modern Continuous Improvement Processes.
• The opportunity to progress onto a second phase, consolidating and building on your new knowledge.
• Training, Facilitation and Support from experienced small business specialists and owners.
• Benefit from a wealth of practical knowledge, skills and experience.
• “Learn To See” opportunities you haven’t seen before or did not know existed.

• Process Manufacturing
  Food, Fresh Produce, Communication Products (high volume and custom products)
• Custom Manufacturing and Job Shops
  Building Products, Cabinet Makers and Joinery, Heavy and Small Trailers, Caravans, Barns and Garages (low volume, large product range)
• Secondary Service Industry
  Repair/Service Workshops and Boat Yards, Warehousing, Distribution and Transport, Building and Construction, Road Construction
• Agribusiness
  Nurseries, Meat Processing & Packaging, Leaf and Fresh Produce
• Resource industries
  Beef Farming, Fishing Co-op (also mining, agriculture, fishing, oil & gas)

Director of Nursery – “The program enabled our business to become more profession and productive. Our business culture has changed greatly along with staff taking more responsibility and proactive….”

General Manager of Manufacturer in Communications Industry – “We were able to send three participants without interrupting workflow in the business. The course information and exercises were effective and engaging for all participants and provided instant benefits for the business. I’d encourage all local businesses to participate. By improving and streamlining production processes we were able to slash manufacturing run times by 60 percent which increased productivity and led to an overall increase in profits per unit without affecting quality.”

Director of Manufacturer in the Building Industry – “The course made us look closely at the business. Our main points of focus were the factory layout and processes. Involving all staff in brainstorming has led to numerous new ideas. I think every local business should do this course; it has transformed our business.”

Final Survey Feedback:

The businesses strongly agreed that:

• On-site Facilitation has been helpful in starting and executing the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)."
• Applying what they learnt immediately, increased the effectiveness of the learning.
• The ASBIG Program stimulated them to take action and they achieved new outcomes.
• They believe they will continue to apply these methods and increase their skills.
• ASBIG Program is extremely good value.
• They have applied a lot more from this program than any other.

They agreed that:

• They have learnt the importance of planning, implementing and measuring.
• They would like other key staff to do this program.

Testimonials: (Final Survey)

Food Processing Manufacturer - “We benefited from this program well and would encourage other small businesses to complete it as well. Great program, very helpful”

Pre-fabricated Building Materials - “Great course, very informative and relevant to our business. We will send other staff in the future.“

Window Manufacturer - “The course has made us look more closely at our business, mainly factory layout and processes. Involving all staff in brainstorming has led to numerous new ideas.“

Cabinet Maker and Joinery - “Participants: It has motivated us to help make the business more efficient and organised. Thank you for the learning experience.”

“Management: The participants have developed an increased sense of ownership and pride for their workspace and output. It is pleasing to see that they've enthusiastically engaged in their projects and developing new methods to improve their production processes and workstations.”

“Management: We have a longstanding relationship with Optim Improvement Pty Ltd and continue to reap benefits from the training, accountability and support provided to us by Optim facilitators. Thank you Peter and Ray.”

Nursery - “The ASBIG program has enabled our business to become more professional and more productive. The culture of our business has changed greatly also with staff taking on more responsibility and being more pro-active. The sessions were organised well and were very interactive which was great.”

Agribusiness - “A very good way of bringing staff and management together to develop new processes around being more efficient and productive. We haven't seen a program like this in this region that is so hands on in helping us implement good productive practices.”

Communications Products Manufacturer - “Great training program that allowed…. to send three participants without interrupting work flow in the business. Course information and exercises were effective and engaging for all participants and provided instant benefits for the business.”

Additional General Comments

Council – Senior Industry Liaison Officer - “I would also like to pass on some feedback from one of the companies participating in the program, in particular they made mention of the excellent work done by both yourself and Ray with the ASBIG program, they found it extremely useful and I understand they are also interested in the possible continuation of the program and also indicated that they would like to send along an additional number of staff should we run a second program.”