A COMPANY set up to maximise business growth in the city is expected to increase employment opportunities by preventing businesses from collapsing.

Stratacore International is the brainchild of former accountant and CEO Debbie Crowther, who has obtained a $325,400 grant under the Federal Government's Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program.

She says the aim of the program is to make significant improvements to businesses which participate, leading to an increase in wealth for the business operator, stakeholders and the community.

"Small business is the lifeblood of the Gold Coast community and Stratacore wants to improve the performance of as many small businesses as possible," she says.

"Through this federally funded program, small businesses will now have access to a wide range of experts, allowing the effective development and implementation of action plans.

"Each business will receive a 'business health check' to identify areas of concern and go on to receive training from qualified and experienced business professionals."

Crowther has also garnered support from Professional Investment Services, which will donate training rooms for the program aimed at 'maximising business growth, maximising business value', at the Bundall Corporate Centre.

She hopes the program will support Australia's SME capital and reduce the number of businesses that fail in the first five years of operation.

"It's horrific that 50 per cent of all small businesses fail in the first five years. We identified the need for a cost-effective, adhesive program to prevent the collapse of small business," she says.

"This program has been designed to educate and empower business owners. Training sessions will be offered over a two-month timeframe, covering all major areas relevant to business such as finance, marketing, human resources, intellectual property, risk management, succession planning and exit strategies.

"Some programs will also include speakers on more specific areas relevant to some small businesses on the Gold Coast, such as manufacturing, young entrepreneurs and women in business.

"By improving the performance of small businesses on the Gold Coast, we should see increased employment opportunities and increased wealth within our community."

Local Federal Member Steven Ciobo says small business is the engine room of the economy and needs to be supported.

"Given the Gold Coast is the small business capital of Australia, I am pleased the Government is spending additional money here to help business operators achieve maximum growth," he says.

"Stratacore International has developed a new innovative program that will help local small businesses take their business to a new level by building growth strategies, through a combination of workshops and one-on-one sessions.

"Small businesses will be able to access expert advice to help maximise opportunities and meet challenges that confront many small businesses."