Australia’s small businesses are continuing to benefit from the Albanese Labor Government’s more than $60 million investment in small businesses cyber security and digital capabilities.
Digital technology is key to a stronger, productive, and more resilient economy.
Under the Digital Solutions program, small businesses can access up to four hours of one‑on‑one digital advice from a qualified and experienced business advisor for a small fee.
They can also access free workshops, webinar presentations and self‑directed tutorials on a range of topics.
These include developing websites and selling online, social media and digital marketing, using small business software, as well as cyber security and data privacy.
Small businesses looking to participate in the Digital Solutions program can find more information at business.gov.au/digitalsolutions or contact business.gov.au via telephone on 13 28 46.
The Albanese Labor Government is also investing $23.4 million into the Cyber Wardens program, to help around 15,000 small businesses build resilience against online threats. This free training is available at the CyberWardens website.
The 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, announced in November 2023, included further support for small and medium businesses:
- Investing more than $11 million in the Cyber Resilience Service, which will provide one‑on‑one support for small businesses to prevent and help bounce back from a cyber attack.
- Investing more than $7 million for a voluntary cyber health‑check program, allowing small and medium businesses to undertake a free tailored self‑assessment of their cyber security maturity.
This support comes on top of practical support already being provided to small businesses by the Albanese Labor Government, which includes:
- helping start‑ups and small businesses to innovate, commercialise and grow their companies through the Industry Growth Program;
- supporting small businesses in their energy transition with the Small Business Energy Incentive, which provides businesses with annual turnover of less than $50 million an additional 20 per cent deduction on eligible spending until 30 June 2024;
- improving cash flow and reducing compliance costs for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million with the $20,000 instant asset write‑off, available until 30 June 2024;
- improving payment times by committing more than $8 million to implement a range of initiatives that will deliver better outcomes for small businesses, as recommended in the independent Statutory Review of the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020;
- supporting small business owners’ mental health and wellbeing through access to free specialised support services. The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is being delivered by Beyond Blue, and the Small Business Debt Helpline by Financial Counselling Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP:
“The Albanese Labor Government is providing targeted support to small businesses in South Australia and across the country to help them create jobs, harness opportunities and grow in the digital economy.
The support provided by the Digital Solutions Program has helped many Australian small businesses make great strides towards digital adoption.
It was a pleasure to hear today how this support is assisting small businesses in South Australia.”