For the skeptics and non-believers, it’s time to make a change. The Aussie government is making a drastic decision in pushing small businesses to go out of their comfort zone and embrace digitalisation, according to a report by Information Age.
Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy announced the program worth $18m, saying the government will provide funding for small businesses to start working on their digital capability through the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS).
“The Australian Government is investing in small businesses to help them create jobs, harness opportunities and grow in the digital economy, with a major focus on regional areas,” he said via Information Age.
“Research shows small businesses that are digitally engaged are more likely to grow their revenue, and up to eight times more likely to create new jobs.”
The nationwide program will provide low-cost, high-quality digital advisory services for different Australian small businesses — whether metropolitan or regional — that have less 20 or fewer employees and sole traders. Reports said the project will provide support in online selling and websites, social media and digital marketing, the use of small business software, and online security and data privacy.
“We know small business operators are busy people who sometimes struggle to adopt new technology. We also know how critical it is for them to keep up with technological change. That is why we have refocused ASBAS support away from general business advisory services to target digital capabilities,” said Laundy via Information Age.
The program’s budget will be divided between three providers around the country over three years, which are Penrith City and District Business Advisory Centre (NSW/ACT), Business Station Incorporated (QLD/NT/WA) and Darebin Enterprise Centre (SA/VIC/TAS).
The digital transformation is indeed becoming part of the formula in order to become a great business. Having to deliver wonderful customer service while improving the business are already heavy tasks, but with technology, the load is becoming lighter. For small business owners who want to list their businesses through business brokers victoria will need to run this down with the brokers to have an advantage while selling the business.
