IT trainers get $10m funding boost

The Federal Government will give $10 million to IT training providers to deliver services to help small businesses become more internet savvy.

Providers were invited to apply for grants of $50,000 to $500,000.

Applicants can be industry associations, professional and business organisations, educational institutions and business enterprise centres, Small Business Minister Craig Emerson said.

"The National Broadband Network will provide enormous opportunities for small businesses operating online to reduce their costs and improve their marketing reach," Emerson said.

"This program aims to help small businesses to enhance their web presence and develop their e-business potential."

Projects should be "free or low-cost skills development, training or mentoring services to small and home-based businesses to help them go online or improve their web presence and e-business capability", according to an AusIndustry fact sheet.

Providers would be selected through a competitive, merit-based application process, he said.

Interested parties can apply through AusIndustry. Applications close on September 25.