Australia Post has announced the launch of its yearly Local Business Heroes initiative, which aims to provide support to small online Australian businesses.
In recognition of the challenging economic climate, with rising inflation, interest rates, and declining consumer confidence, the program has been expanded this year to include 100 recipients instead of the 57 from last year.
The total prize pool is valued at approximately $500,000. Each successful applicant will receive a Heroes Package worth $5,000, which will include a range of products and services to assist them in growing and promoting their businesses.
Small businesses that sell products online and are existing customers of Australia Post are eligible to apply for the Local Business Heroes program. The application period will run for four weeks, starting on Monday, 13 February 2023, and ending on Sunday, 12 March 2023.
The selection process will take place after the application period has ended, and the recipients will be announced in June 2023.
Gary Starr, Executive General Manager, Parcel Post & eCommerce Services at Australia Post, said this year’s prize pool of around $500,000 would provide critical support as small businesses contend with a range of headwinds.
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our local economy, and we’re proud to support them grow and prosper through the Local Business Heroes program,” Mr Starr said.
“The Local Business Heroes program not only shines a spotlight on these important operators but, importantly helps them succeed through coaching, marketing and technology support.
“We’re thrilled to be able to increase the number of recipients so that we can reward more businesses for the amazing work they do day in, day out and help them navigate 2023.”
One of the deserving recipients of the Local Business Heroes program last year was Cool Guppy, a wooden toy retailer. The company received practical business support and gained increased visibility, which enabled it to continue to expand its operations.
Adrian Law, the owner of Cool Guppy, shared his positive experience of winning the award and encouraged small businesses to apply this year. He expressed his pride in receiving the recognition and emphasized the value of the initiative in motivating him to persevere and strive for success in his business.
The Heroes Package has been reimagined by Australia Post for this year’s program, with winners given the opportunity to choose five out of eight options. The options are grouped into four key categories: Marketing, Sending (packaging and postage), Staying Connected, and Business Coaching.
This approach allows the program to address the specific needs of local business owners, such as enhancing their customer reach through targeted promotions, streamlining their parcel operations, or providing them with access to essential work-from-home technology.
The program’s ultimate goal is to support and empower small businesses in Australia to succeed in the current challenging economic climate.
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