$800 million push for businesses to go digital post-COVID

As part of the Australian Government’s $800 million JobMaker Digital Business Plan, businesses are encouraged to digitise so that they can compete, succeed and create job opportunities as the country emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. This includes an expansion of the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions program. Since its inception in 2018, the ASBAS Digital Solutions program has supported small businesses through low-cost, independent, expert advice.

“The expansion of this service means a further 10,000 Australian businesses will be able to use these services, enabling them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy now and in the future,” said Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business.

The expansion of the ASBAS Digital Solutions program means businesses will be able to receive information and advice on websites and selling online, social media and digital marketing, and using small business software. Businesses will also receive information about online security and data privacy, business crisis management and continuity planning, finance management, staff management and creating a safe work environment. Minister Cash noted that many businesses moved online quickly when the pandemic hit, undergoing considerable change in months, finding new customers or new ways of doing things.

“Our JobMaker Digital Business Plan provides significant backing to continue that digital push and expand opportunities for businesses to grow and create more jobs,” said Minister Cash.

The ASBAS Digital Solutions Program is available to small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time (or equivalent) employees, as well as sole traders, across all metropolitan and regional areas.

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