Here for Business’ launched in Gladstone

The Rio Tinto Community Fund has launched the ‘Here for Business’ program to assist new and existing businesses in Gladstone.
The program will offer business coaching and other assistance to new businesses in Gladstone, or existing businesses seeking to open up new markets.

The Rio Tinto Community Fund Committee is seeking expressions of interest from people with a business idea that can generate local jobs for Gladstone.
The Rio Tinto Community Fund was established in 2002 to promote active local partnerships that are based on mutual commitment, trust and openness. The ‘Here for Business’ program will build on the past success of the ‘Here for Childcare’ and ‘Here for Health’ programs.
The Committee has assembled a team of business coaches and mentors, including Tina Zawila from respected local accounting firm, Sotherton, to help budding entrepreneurs refine their business plan, and to work with them in the establishment phase of their business.
The program will also offer support for existing Gladstone businesses seeking to open up new markets. The goal of the program is to generate new jobs for Gladstone, whether it’s old businesses opening up new markets, or start-ups with a great new idea.
Since the Rio Tinto Community Fund was launched, $4.5 million has been committed to a range of community projects. This funding has also helped community organisations attract additional grants and contributions to projects, in excess of $10 million. Over the past nine years, the Rio Tinto