A new grants programme, open to businesses in Milperra and across the city of Canterbury-Bankstown, is introducing digital technology and techniques to help boost results.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has made operating a business a real challenge for some, the latest Smart City Smart Business Grants programme is providing proprietors with an opportunity to continue doing business using the digital platform.
Funds totalling $250,000 were initially allocated for the programme, which has assisted a mix of local businesses to improve or develop online marketing and e-commerce capabilities. Individually, local businesses could apply for up to $2000.
Business grant recipient and Organic Hair Culture proprietor Brandy Wu used the funds to revitalise the outlet's website and to develop and post ads on Google. According to Ms Wu, the idea of pursuing new customers through online methods had been overlooked, but the grant helped her see its value and potential as it resulted in increased interstate product orders from Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Retail outlets and service industries such as Organic Hair Culture often previously relied on regular brochure printing campaigns to inform clients and potential customers about available products.
The new programme has also been praised by Wally Mehanna, CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, who said innovation and technology represent important platforms for progressing a business towards the future. As such, he added, it was also a costly exercise to embrace technology, and the grants were a real help.
