27 May, 2020

Small businesses in the Gunnedah Shire have an opportunity to grow their digital capabilities through the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions program.

The ASBAS program is funded by the Federal Government and offers small businesses high quality advice on a range of digital solutions to meet their business needs.

The program was rolled out at a local level two years ago and during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended to offer businesses up to 24 hours of free digital advice. 

Small businesses with fewer than 20 full time employees and sole traders can access the service and there is no application process.

The program incorporates a mix of one-on-one consultations, webinars and group training sessions. Topics covered include:

• Websites and selling online,
• Social media and digital marketing,
• Using small business software, and
• Online security and data privacy.

Hugh McKellar from the Northern Region Business Enterprise Centre is the region’s local ASBAS Digital Solutions provider and said the program had allowed many small business owners how to take control of their online presence.

“I have helped people learn how to build and edit their websites, perfect their next social media post and transition offices to secure remote working arrangements,” Mr McKellar said.

“In this time of change, the ASBAS Digital program is here to help you with straight forward practical help and advice.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle is pleased this support is available at a time when the business community is facing unprecedented challenges.

 “Accessing business support and building digital capacity will help place businesses in the best possible position to navigate through this crisis and will better prepare them to take advantage of the recovery,” Ms Hoddle said.

For further information on the ASBAS program visit https://www.business.gov.au/Expertise-and-Advice/Australian-Small-Business-Advisory-Services-ASBAS-Digital-Solutions

To access the program you can contact local digital business advisor Hugh McKellar directly on 0417 274 447, (02) 6297 3121 or by email on hugh@nrbec.com.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.