Monday 16^th November 2020

Eastern Victorian businesses are being called on to build their digital capabilities as restrictions are eased with the launch of the Victorian Government’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing welcomed the launch of the program which will help eligible sole traders and micro and small businesses in all sectors to build digital capability and support their day-to-day business operations.

The program will allow businesses to trial selected digital products including online website, e-commerce, finance and business management products from digital providers including MYOB, Square, Xero, Shopify, Squarespace and Mr Yum.

After completing their trials, businesses will be able to sign up for and purchase one of the available products and can then apply for a rebate to cover 12 months’ free access to the product of their choice.

The providers will give businesses access to product-specific support and training during the trial period and once the product is purchased under the program.

Businesses will also be able to participate in free digital adaptation workshops offered through Small Business Victoria and in face-to-face workshops once it is safe to do so.

The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is part of the $3 billion Business Resilience Package which aims to help businesses impacted by ongoing restrictions and prepare for COVID Normal operations.

Additional programs in the package include the $822 million third round of the Business Support Fund, the $100 million Sole Trader Support Fund and the $87.5 million to support hospitality businesses prepare for COVID Normal reopening across Victoria.

For more information about the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program, go to: business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-resilience-package

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford

 “Helping businesses become digitally enabled will be key to Victoria’s economic recovery and through Victorian Government-led initiatives like the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program, we’re doing that.”

“The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is just one way we’re helping Victorian small businesses adapt their day-to-day operations to become safer and more efficient in COVID Normal.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Victorian Government is committed to assisting small businesses throughout Eastern Victoria recover from the coronavirus pandemic and this program will provide business owners with the confidence to utilise modern digital services.”