History

Business Enterprise Centres are non-profit organisations, with 110 operating all over Australia providing the basis for local job creation and economic growth.

1984 –1986

Business in the Community was established in 1985 by the Rotary Club of Sydney to bring commerce and industry together within the community. The idea was to form local partnerships between representatives of the private and public sectors, trade union movement and a voluntary organisation so that they could work together for the benefit of communities.

The concept was initiated in New South Wales by the Rotary Club of Sydney from an idea imported from Britain by Ray Patteson, who joined the Rotary Club of Sydney in 1984. Ray was Founding Director and Deputy Chairman of Business in the Community Ltd from 1985 to 2000. The organisation still exists in Britain today under a community and government banner. It is still known as Business in the Community. (Business in the Community was set up by businesses and the government to create a responsible approach to business relationships with their communities).

The Rotary initiative established the Business in the Community associations, initially in NSW, and very quickly nationally through the Rotary Club network. They later became known as Business Enterprise Centres.

1987 – 1988

In April1988, representatives from the Adelaide Rotary Club, Businesses within the Community, Adelaide Development Board and other local interested business people established the Small Business Advisory Centre in South Terrace, Adelaide.

1996 – 1987

The Small Business Advisory Centre is closed and the first four South Australian Business Enterprise Centres are opened at Port Adelaide, Norwood, Murray Bridge and Goolwa, with Salisbury about to open.

BECs are now strongly supported by all sectors of commerce and industry - large and small businesses, local, State and Federal Government agencies, Regional Chambers of Commerce and secondary education and training providers, and many other organisations.

1998 – 1999

16 June 1998 - Southern Success Business Enterprise Centre (SSBEC) became an Incorporated Body
December 1998 - The first Premises were at the Woodcroft Town Centre
The board approved a lease for 128 Main South Road, Morphett Vale
June 1999 - The first newsletter, the Southern Success Bulletin was printed

1999 – 2000

September 1999 - Manfred Gessner was appointed Manager
April 2000 - Trevor Waite became Manager
The SSBEC Special Employment Project was funded to become Disability Recruitment Coordinators Service with Tina Zeleznik as Manager
www.ssbec.com.au was established with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it becoming the general email address.

2001 – 2002

March 2001 - The monthly Enterprise Update was first published in addition to the already established Southern Success Bulletin
SSBEC hosted a national Satellite television broadcast for the ACCC and held its first Christmas function at the Market Square, Old Noarlunga

2003 – 2004

April 2004 - SSBEC move to its new (and present) home at Unit 5, 209 Main South Road, Morphett Vale
DRC received further funding and became Disability Works Australia ending their association as a subsiduary of SSBEC
August 2004 – Brian Bowie became Acting Manager, then Manager until 29^th August 2008

2005 – 2006

Small Business Week was initiated by the state government
Formation of the Southern Business Associations’ Alliance (SBAA). Read More.

2007 – 2008

Springboard Development Program (coaching) was introduced with great success. Read More.
In collaboration with TafeSA, SSBEC developed the program How to make your business fly
The Family Friendly Business Awards and Child and Family Friendly Business Incentives were implemented through Communities for Children
SSBEC received funding from the Australian Government adding to funding from Onkaparinga Council and the State Government. This enabled the organisation to develop structurally and assist even more businesses.