The Victorian government will commit AU$10 million dollars to help small-to-medium enterprises tap into the emerging e-commerce boom.

Among the features of Victoria's E-commerce Advantage is a travelling road show to promote e-commerce, the establishment of a team of special advocates to provide hands-on business support and the funding of a database to help businesses locate IT and e-commerce experts.

Around AU$6.8 million will be spent on helping small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and regional suppliers access the government's electronic purchasing arrangements.

A database - called VicIT - will be set up to assist people and businesses find experts to help them make technology (including e-commerce) part of their business.

E-commerce advocates will provide one-on-one and group support to a broad range of Victorian business.

"This new scheme will help Victorian small businesses grow through the use of e-commerce," State and Regional Development Minister, John Brumby said.

"While the Howard Government wreaks havoc on small businesses through the GST, the Victorian Government is determined to help them maintain a competitive edge by supporting their growth through e-commerce," he said.

The minister claims the difference between Victoria leading and lagging in e-commerce has been estimated at as much as AU$13 billion over 10 years.

Small Business Minister Marsha Thomson said the early adoption of e-commerce was vital to Victoria's 225,400 small businesses, which employ nearly 800,000 people.

"Victoria's E-commerce Advantage will help Victoria's small businesses compete in the global economy," she said.

"Currently, business-to-consumer e-commerce, such as online book or CD stores, is grabbing the headlines, but it's clear that the real benefits of e-commerce to small business will come from business-to-business applications," Ms Thomson said.

Other initiatives include:

• $1.2 million in funding for Exhibition Projects that demonstrate innovative and collaborative use of e-commerce
  
• an e-consumer awareness campaign to give businesses and consumers the confidence to use e-commerce
  
• investigating legislative steps required to address cyber crime
  
• an E-commerce Roadshow around Victoria to raise awareness of e-commerce among regional businesses and consumers; and
  
• an online Victorian E-commerce Info Centre for businesses wanting to know more about e-commerce and support provided by Government.

Copies are available at Victoria's E-commerce Advantage .

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