Internet boost for Bendigo small businesses

More than 400 small businesses in Bendigo and central Victoria will get help to go online or upgrade their internet presence under a $14 million Rudd Government program.

Federal Member for Bendigo, Steve Gibbons, said Continuing Education Bendigo would receive $480,000 to help local small businesses make the most of the internet.

Although 95 per cent of Australian small businesses are connected to the internet, only 57 per cent have a website.

The funding will encourage these businesses take full advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) by helping them install and upgrade websites, Mr Gibbons said.

“This funding will see small business operators benefit from tailor made programs designed to teach them how to fully capitalise on all the advantages of the internet to expand their business.”

The funding is from the Rudd Government’s $10 million Small Business Online program, which has been boosted by another $4 million to help more tourism small business operators.

Mr Gibbons said Small Business Minister Craig Emerson and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson have announced grants ranging from $50,000 to $700,000 to 47 small business support groups across the country.

These groups will use the funding to help small businesses develop the skills to go online or upgrade their existing internet operations so they can better engage in e-business, reduce costs and improve market opportunities.

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