Small Australian businesses selected for Digital Champions Project
The Federal Government has named the winners of its ‘Small Business Digital Champions Project’. The fifteen small businesses from across the country will in the coming year receive both financial and non-financial support with the goal of helping them ramp up their digital maturity.
Australia has around 2.2 million small businesses – companies with less than 20 employees – and combined, they make up 94% of all businesses in the country. In sync with other types of businesses, small businesses can leverage the opportunities offered by technology to reshape their business model and enhance their operations.
According to research from Deloitte, commissioned by the government, when small businesses are digitally engaged, they are 50% 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. Digital maturity counts – small businesses that move from basic to advanced digital engagement on average see a 60% increase in revenue per employee.
“Digital offers so many benefits for our small business sector, and the national economy, from revenue growth and job creation, to innovation and export potential,” explained John O’Mahony, a partner at Deloitte Access Economics.
However, Deloitte’s study found that over half of businesses with basic levels of digital engagement don’t fully understand the benefits of digital engagement. Against this backdrop, the government launched the ‘Small Business Digital Champions Project’, which aims at increasing awareness of the benefits of digitisation. Hon Michaelia Cash, minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, said that the Digital Champions project is just one of many initiatives that demonstrate the Morrison Government’s commitment to help small businesses grow, prosper and create jobs for hardworking Australians.
The project has now selected fifteen small businesses that will be provided comprehensive digital transformation support. Alongside receiving an investment for building and deploying digital tools such as hardware, software or online development, the selected businesses will receive a personalised digital transformation plan and digital training to help them embrace digitalisation. In addition, each business will be paired with a mentor – a high-profile business leader with an established track record in the field.
“We want to help more small business owners utilise technology to grow their business because we know that when our small businesses prosper, the whole economy thrives and every Australian benefits,” said Cash.
An overview of the 15 small businesses selected for the Small Business Digital Champions Project:
Altina Drinks
Canberra-based, Altina Drinks creates non-alcoholic cocktails and advocates for mindful drinking by creating unique and memorable alcohol-free experiences.
Aubrey + Areegra
Aubrey + Areegra is an advertising agency located in regional Victoria, with a focus on providing adverting services for rural and regional customers.
Aurora Marketing
Aurora Marketing specialises in tender writing, bid management and creation of corporate documents for the transport, defence, manufacturing and IT industries.
Barc for Pets
Barc for Pets is a Newport-based dog minding, day care and dog day spa service. Barc for Pets also has an online pet shop that stocks natural, ethically sourced and handmade products.
Chancellor & Bendle
Chancellor & Bendle is a family run plumbing business located in Dandenong, Victoria.
Geared Up Culcha
Geared Up Culcha provides work wear and promotional solutions to suit a wide range of workplace environments.
Heart Health and Fitness
Heart Health and Fitness offers the Perth community physiotherapy and physiology consultations, tailored exercise programs, behavioural motivation and open class sessions.
Heating & Cooling Services
For 18 years, Perth-based Heating & Cooling Services has specialised in installing gas heaters and evaporative air conditioners, as well as servicing, repairing and replacing them.
Jurra Industries
Based in Toowoomba, Jurra offers mechanical and process engineering services to give companies an edge in renewables through innovative product design and solutions.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours provides personalised and luxurious tours of the wildlife and nature on Kangaroo Island.
Painter 4000
Sunshine Coast-based, Painter 4000 is family-owned and provides high quality domestic, commercial and industrial painting services.
Pro Art Signs and Designs
Pro Art Signs and Designs provides a complete signage and graphics service within Tasmania.
Simplicity Campers
Located in Tamworth, Simplicity Campers is an Australian manufacturer of off-road caravans, designed, engineered and constructed to improve the safety of on-road towing in Australia.
Strategic Connections Group
Located in Ivanhoe, Strategic Connections Group provides strategic advice, project development and project management services in various industries.
The Parents Village
The Parents Village is based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, providing face-to-face and online programs for prenatal and postnatal support to new and expecting parents.
