Optus offers technology grants for Goulburn Valley small businesses

The grants are offered in partnership with the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help companies review and update their technology infrastructure to “better serve the unique evolving needs of small business owners.”

The announcement was made during the Optus Business Plus Roadshow on Wednesday March 29, one of four across the country, while the others are in Adelaide, Cairns and Orange.

The roadshow included a keynote speech by one of the co-founders of social enterprise One Love Australia, Jamal Elsheikh, and a panel discussion that included local business owner Min Innes-Irons of In Hospitality.

The discussion covered topics including how small businesses are navigating the current economic climate, financial tips, expanding in Shepparton and strategies for growth, recession-proofing and planning for the future.

Sean Casey, vice president of Optus Business, said the roadshow aims to connect local business owners with business mentors and the technology that could improve their businesses.

He said the grants on offer could help with the technology side.

“Five companies can get $3,000 each and as far as this grant goes, the point is that they get a full technical audit so they understand what they can do to improve that productivity through system processes or products in their company “, he said.

Tracy Lyle of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce said the grant application process would not take long for entrepreneurs and gave them the opportunity to update their technology in ways specific to their business.

“Having Optus here means they’re able to see how technology benefits them (the company), and they can actually have that conversation with someone on the ground who’s working with them to develop what.” they need,” she said.

“It gives them the opportunity to actually spend the grant money on equipment they’ve been through, knowing they need it.”

The event was attended by around 30 local business owners who heard from Mr Elsheikh about his experiences in founding One Love Australia and working with some of Australia’s most prominent sports including the AFL and with Test cricket captain Pat Cummins.

“We reflected on my experiences in the past and not only the successes but also the failures, what didn’t work,” he said.

“Maybe sometimes that’s what you shouldn’t do. What can you learn from failure, what didn’t work, but at the same time build on what works to look forward to the next 12 months and achieve your goals, wherever that is.”

Applications for the Optus Small Business Grants close on April 30 and can be applied for at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y2N7WT6