Small Business Digital Champions
Australia’s small businesses can unlock the potential of technology to revolutionise their business and extend their reach. When small businesses are digitally engaged, they are 50 per cent more likely to be growing revenue, eight times more likely to be creating jobs, seven times more likely to be exporting, and 14 times more likely to be innovating new products or services.
The Small Business Digital Champions Project will provide 100 Australian small businesses with a comprehensive digital transformation for their business. They will receive up to $18,500 in digital support, and additional products and services from Corporate Partners.
Follow the Digital Champions
15 of the 100 businesses have been selected to become Digital Champions. Each Digital Champion will be paired with a Digital Mentor who is a high-profile business leader and has leveraged technology for their business' success. These innovators will provide personalised mentoring and guide the Digital Champions on their digital transformation journey.
The journeys of the Digital Champions will be featured in online, interactive case studies that will provide the small business community with real-life insights into the business benefits of adopting digital technology.
Meet the 15 Digital Champions here
Meet the 15 Digital Champions Video
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs Initiative Is Open For Expressions of Interest
The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science is pleased to announce the Second Round of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs Initiative (the program) is open for expressions of interest (EOI).
The program will allow SMEs to access opportunities to co-operate and collaborate with businesses in their region, develop collective branding, leverage infrastructure, utilise existing knowledge to improve local export capacity, access global supply chains, encourage business growth and importantly, create local jobs. New and existing export hubs are eligible for funding provided they align with the Growth Centre sectors to facilitate SME export opportunities.
The program complements existing initiatives, such as those delivered through Export Finance Australia, Austrade, the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and the Industry Growth Centres Initiative.
Grants of up to $1.5 million are available. Grant funds must be matched with cash and projects must conclude by 30 June 2022.
The program will be delivered through a two-stage competitive selection process. Stage 1 expressions of interest (EOI) will close at 5pm AEST Thursday 19 September 2019. Stage 2 applications are expected to open in mid-November 2019.
Information about the program, including the grant opportunity guidelines and a link to the online application form is available at business.gov.au/SMEEH.
Broadly, to be eligible an applicant must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following entities:
• an incorporated not-for-profit organisation such as:- an incorporated association
- a company limited by guarantee
- a non-distributing co-operative
- an Indigenous not for profit corporation
- a not-for-profit incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
• an Australian local government agency or body
• an Australian state/territory government agency or body
• Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees.
Joint applications are acceptable, provided the lead applicant is eligible to apply.
If you have any further questions, please contact the team via the contact details at the website.
Small Business Digital Champions Case Studies
Part of keeping a business strong is having the ability to adapt to change and embrace technology. Small Business Digital Champions continue working towards their aims of motivating people to incorporate technology more into their work processes and strengthen their digital knowledge. Read these case studies to get an idea of where digital transformation can take you.
