Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese today congratulated three local companies, Culture Shock Couture, Maise Label and Publisher Textiles on receiving more than $120,000 in funding under the Australian Government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program.

Leichhardt-based Culture Shock Couture will receive $38,000 to develop a strategic marketing plan and to research and create better operational/financial procedures for the business. This includes mentoring, updating the communications strategy (an overhaul of the website) and business processes.

Publisher Textiles, also of Leichhardt, will receive $36,550 to consolidate a brand identity and develop an e-commerce profile through a new e-business system and website. This will enable the company to link customer feedback and requirements with internal procedures and aid forward planning and market responsiveness.

Maise Label in Marrickville will receive $47,600 to purchase EMS hardware and software in conjunction with appointing a business coach to assist in scoping, strategy and procedure manual development and to undertake a system evaluation. These activities will result in improved production productivity.

"This result is great news for these three companies, in what was, I am told, a hotly contested round of funding," Mr Albanese said.

“It is great to see local companies embracing the Rudd Government’s strong commitment to innovation and enterprise."

The TCF Small Business Program is providing $25 million in grants over 10 years to Australia’s small designers and manufacturers.

AusIndustry, which runs the program, is responsible for more than 30 programs to help Australian businesses. They include innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business development, industry support and venture capital.