Australia’s first industry association representing entrepreneurs and startups launches to meet the needs and demands of more than 2.3 million entrepreneurs and calls on government to appoint a Federal Minister of Entrepreneurship

Australia is a nation of entrepreneurs with an estimated 2.3 million early-stage entrepreneurs making a significant impact on Australia’s economy with startups adding 1.4 million jobs to the Australian economy between 2006 and 2011.

Despite this growth there has, until now, not been an industry association to represent the unique needs of Australian entrepreneurs and startups, nor do entrepreneurs have representation in government.

Newly launched Entrepreneur Australia has called on the federal government to appoint a federal minister of Entrepreneurism.

“Our Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is an entrepreneur and the government should be recognising the importance of a federal minister representing this important and valuable sector” states CEO, Louise Lyelle.

“We call on Malcolm Turnbull and his government to acknowledge the impact of entrepreneurs on the economy, especially jobs growth, and appoint a minister.  Entrepreneurs are the future of Australia, they are the heart of our employment growth” continues Lyelle.

With total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) of 13.1%, Australia’s level of entrepreneurial activity is amongst the highest of all developed economies almost identical to that of the USA (13.8%) and Canada (13.0%).

“There are many different organisations representing different areas of entrepreneurs for example technology, women, indigenous, regional etc. But there has not been one hub for all entrepreneurs across different industries across Australia” comments CEO Louise Lyelle.

“Our research showed a major need for an association which supports all entrepreneurs, across all industries right across Australia” continues Lyelle.

Entrepreneur Australia provides a wide range of services and benefits to entrepreneurs to support their growth and success with a focus on increasing Australia’s standing in the global entrepreneurship index where it currently sits at number seven out of 137 countries globally.

It also encourages community, business and industry support of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurism.