C21 Challenge

Project aim

The C21 Challenge program aims to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian automotive sector by strengthening the capability of local SME automotive component suppliers towards international best practice.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with Toyota Australia will provide support to small and medium sized automotive component suppliers.  In particular, it is aimed at addressing the key performance gaps amongst Tier 2 and 3 component suppliers within the automotive industry.

Nature of assistance

The key elements of the program include:

• Strategic Diagnostic Review - an up-to-date snapshot of the participant businesses;
• Manufacturing Efficiency - specialist assistance with planning process for production planning and lean manufacturing
• Workforce Planning Review -access to the Victorian Government,  My Business My People program – enabling business to access specialist workforce and HR planning and assistance with employee training
• Mentoring Support - access to Small Business Mentoring Service providing small business with expert advice and support
• Business Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills Training - up skilling business to obtain satisfactory outcome from negotiation efforts
• Automotive Industry Information Forums/Networking - industry based seminars delivered by industry leaders to encourage networking and knowledge sharing

Level of assistance

 The program pilot will involve up to 50 businesses and will run over a six month period in 2008, with participating businesses (Tier 2 and 3 suppliers) required to invest a minimum of 75 hours over this time on six integrated and complementary components.

Eligibility criteria

You must be a recognised automotive component manufacturer, based in Victoria and financially sound.

With a fee set at $750 per business, the C21 Challenge represents a unique opportunity for Tier 2 and 3 automotive component suppliers to participate in a high value tailored program.

All components of the program, with the exception of industry forums will be delivered to you at your premises at times convenient to you.

	C21 Challenge Brochure (PDF 356Kb)
	Brochure for the C21 Challenge

	C21 Challenge - Participant Expression of Interest (DOC 172Kb)
	Expression of interest documentation for suppliers interested in applying for the C21 Challenge

Contact the Victorian Business Line (VBL) on 13 22 15 regarding any problems with file downloads.

Contact

Victorian Business Line
Tel: 13 22 15
Small Business Victoria
GPO Box 4509
Melbourne 3001