Small businesses looking to compete in an increasingly online world can soon take advantage of additional support announced today by the Minister for Small Business Julie Collins.
The ability to operate online is essential for small businesses in a post‑lockdown economy, where more Australians are turning to the convenience and safety of shopping from home.
The $18.6 million in funding will help support small businesses adapt, and build resilience through digital technology, Minister Collins said.
“Small businesses and their communities have faced incredibly challenging times in recent years,” she said.
“When the pandemic hit, Australians turned to the internet for their shopping, and many have stayed there. This program helps businesses to recognise and grasp the opportunities that going online can offer, so they can survive and grow.
“We know people want to support their local small businesses, and we want to make that easier by helping them get online.”
The funding will be available through a new round of the Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services Program, which provides grants to advisory service providers.
The new round will give even more small businesses access to advice to digitise.
Rebecca Gerstner, owner of Bek’sBloomz, a boutique florist in Goulburn NSW said the Digital Solutions program has really supported her business.
“The improvements to my website and e‑commerce capability have helped my business to grow.”
Minister Collins said grants are being offered in every state and territory, so that small businesses wanting to get online can access high quality, independent advice at low cost, regardless of where they’re located.
“This program puts expert digital advice within the reach of every small business in Australia,” Minister Collins said.
“Advice that is affordable, trusted and independent to get businesses on the right track with selling online, social media and digital marketing, using online tools and software, and managing their online security risks.”
Funding is available to business advisory service providers to deliver digitalisation advice for three years from April 2023. These grants are available through a competitive funding round, each corresponding with a defined geographical coverage area.
Guidelines for this grant opportunity are available at business.gov.au or by telephone on 13 28 46.