A private and exclusive online business alliance that rewards its members

In these challenging times, the need for business communities to stay connected and drive profit through intelligent networking is greater than ever. With this in mind, a Sydney-based not-for-profit group Global Access Partners (GAP) has created First 5000, a dynamic business club restricted to Australia's top 5000 small and medium
size enterprises.

Aiming to overcome general frustration of SMEs at having little or no impact on policy, the broad ineffectiveness of existing industry bodies and difficulty in engaging easily with larger enterprises, First 5000 will provide fast track connections to regulators, major firms and multinationals and help its members influence government for business-friendly policies in Australia's future economic environment.

Membership in First 5000 is free and by invitation only.

First 5000 Channel

Linked to, but run independently of, Open Forum - an online policy development think tank facilitated by GAP, the First 5000 website will offer time-pressed SME executives an opportunity to track the latest developments in business and technology, read opinion pieces by Australia's most influential entrepreneurs and help them forge their own visionary approach to the challenges of tomorrow.

Membership benefits and opportunities will include:

• Direct access to senior management of the top 5000 SMEs in one location
• An opportunity to network in a secure, confidential and professionally facilitated online environment and develop, expand and strengthen professional relationships with stakeholders
• Membership of a discussion forum inviting contributions to government policy formation and sharing best business practice
• Exclusive incentives and special offers to First 5000 members
• Invitations to First 5000 and GAP business conferences and forums
• Full access to the publications, surveys and reports produced after discussions on the First 5000 website