Apply now to become a Digital Champion

Small and family businesses can now apply for the Small Business Digital Champions project.

As part of the project, 100 businesses will have the opportunity to receive a digital makeover valued at up to $20,000, designed to help them unlock the potential of technology and strengthen their business.

The transformation could include hardware, software and digital skills training to help their business thrive in their particular field. The project aims to showcase the diversity within Australian small businesses and how adopting digital technology can enhance all types of business.

From the 100 businesses, 15 will be selected to become Digital Champions and be paired with a high-profile Australian innovator known for their success in digital innovation, including:

• Larry Kestelman — founder of Dodo internet, lead investor in technology start-up incubator Oxygen Ventures, chairman of Frankly Digital Marketing agency and owner of the National Basketball League.
• Dr Sam Prince — founder of hospitality chain Zambrero, founder of aid organisation One Disease and medical group Next Practice.
• Michelle Bridges — fitness trainer and founder of the online 12WBT Program.
   

“The Small Business Digital Champions project is about helping support small businesses learn the skills and build confidence to embrace digital opportunities,” said Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Michaelia Cash.

“The evidence shows us that when small businesses are digitally engaged, they are 50% more likely to be growing revenue, eight times more likely to create jobs, seven times more likely to be exporting and 14 times more likely to be innovating new products or services.”

Cash said the Small Business Digital Champions project will create relatable, real-time case studies to inspire and inform small business owners across Australia about how to go digital.

“25% of small to medium enterprises are sceptical about the value digital tools will bring to their business, while only 41% of microbusinesses even have a website,” she said.

“In regional areas, the benefits of going digital can help bridge the distance with their city counterparts, making them more competitive.”

Small businesses across the country will be able to follow the 12-month digital transformation of the Digital Champions, through online, interactive case studies that will provide the small business community with real-life insights into the practicalities and business benefits of adopting digital technology.

Applications close on 4 February 2019.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Nmedia

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