Small business in north east Victoria will get government help to digitise and make the most of online trading opportunities to make them stronger and more resilient as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of its $800 million JobMaker Digital Business Plan, the Liberal and Nationals government will expand the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) Digital Solutions program that offers low-cost, independent, expert and tailored advice to small businesses, such as:
- Websites and selling online
- Social media and digital marketing
- Using small business software
- Online security and data privacy
- Business crisis management and business continuity planning
- Finance management and boosting cash flow
- Staff management and creating a safe work environment
- Retaining and staying connected to customers
- Resilience and wellbeing
Wodonga-based Nationals Senate leader and Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said many businesses across the Indi region moved online quickly when the pandemic hit, undergoing a decade of change in months, finding new customers or new ways of doing things.
“Many store front businesses had to diversify in how they provided services as we all adapted to restrictions and border closures. We want to help businesses make the most of these opportunities now and in the future.
“The JobMaker Digital Business Plan provides significant backing to continue that digital push and expand opportunities for businesses to grow and create more jobs.”
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, said the expansion of the ASBAS Digital Solutions program means a further 10,000 Australian businesses will be able to these services, enabling them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy now and in the future.
The program is available to small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time (or equivalent) employees, as well as sole traders. Further information on accessing the program is available at business.gov.au or 13 28 46.