Internet funding boost for small businesses

Written on the 19th of January 2010 by Fiona Taylor

The federal government has announced $14 million to help small businesses go online or upgrade their internet presentation.

The funding, announced by Small Business Minister Craig Emerson and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, aims to help more than 50,000 small businesses install and upgrade websites.

The aim is to help small businesses better engage in e-business to reduce costs and improve market opportunities, as 95 per cent of small businesses Australia-wide are connected to the internet, yet only 57 per cent have a website.

The Small Business Online program, (which includes a $4 million boost for tourism small businesses), has been divided into more than 40 grants ranging from $50,000 to $700,000.

The grants have already been offered to small business support groups and industry associations who will help small businesses develop the skills to go online or upgrade their existing internet operations.

Some of the groups to be funded include: 

• Darwin Region Business Enterprise Centre ($320,000)
• Margaret River Wine Industry Association ($140,000) 
• NSW Business Chamber ($495,000) 
• Gulf Savannah Development Group, which supports businesses from Cairns to Broome ($200,000)

A list of successful applicants and more information on the Small Business Online program can be found at www.ausindustry.gov.au