The Australian Government will launch its online learning program for small businesses in Armidale tomorrow.
The 44 Gallons Small Business Online program, part of a Government initiative, will provide free workshops to small business owners to help them make the most of online business opportunities.
It is important for all small businesses, especially those in regional areas, to be online according to Managing Director of 44 Gallons Katherine Smith.
“There are huge opportunities which aren’t being taken advantage of, because small businesses, particularly in regional areas, aren’t online and they’re missing out,” Ms Smith said.
“The area our workshops cover is home to over 30,000 small businesses. Because the training is so practical, easy to enroll in and most importantly free, we’re expecting a really positive response,” Ms Smith added.
The workshops provide individual businesses with hands-on, flexible and interactive training, facilitated by industry experts. Over one hundred businesses have already signed up for the workshops being held in the New England and Northern Inland regions in coming weeks.
The workshops help businesses deal with the daily frustrations that come with operating an online site, says Armidale businesswoman and workshop facilitator Fiona Ballard.
“Participating in the course was a real light bulb moment for me…having seen the same frustrations time and time again, I was amazed at how well delivered the information was and the practical nature in which the training was done,” Ms Ballard said.
“I’ve seen small businesses spend over $20,000 on their website alone. The 44 Gallons Small Business Online workshops gave me all the online information I needed to do it myself, for free! I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and help our local businesses get themselves online,” Ms Ballard added.
