Digital and e-Commerce Grants Program comes online

Eligible Scenic Rim businesses can now apply for Council grants to access digital technologies and services to enable them to maximise online opportunities and become part of the global economy.

As part of its Economic Stimulus Package 2: COVID 19, Scenic Rim Regional Council has introduced the Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants Program to minimise the ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic and support the region’s economic recovery.

Announcing the opening of the grants program from tomorrow (Tuesday 13 October) Mayor Greg Christensen said up to $2,000 will be available to eligible businesses.

“The Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants Program provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses which have not considered online selling to look at how they might diversify their revenue streams,” he said.

“As part of our second Economic Stimulus Package, this program complements our Scenic Rim Façade Improvement Scheme, which encourages commercial property owners to improve the street appeal of their buildings to help attract new customers.

“While COVID-19 has shown the vulnerability of the traditional shopfront business model, it has also highlighted the wide-ranging opportunities available to businesses locally, nationally and internationally through e-Commerce.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen how businesses which have been able to rapidly pivot during COVID-19 have not only survived the current economic challenges but have thrived.”

Council has committed a total of $20,000 to the Scenic Rim Digital and e-Commerce Grants Program, which will run until 31 December 2020, with applications to be assessed and approved on a rolling basis.

The program will support applications that demonstrate innovation that will lead to business improvement and the development of online capabilities offering long-term benefits beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

It offers funding for online and e-commerce activities, including the purchase of computer hardware, software and digital services such as website design and development, e-commerce platforms, online content development, digital marketing and promotion and mentoring or training.

Eligible applicants include home-based businesses, farm gate operators and commercial ratepayers and their tenants within the Scenic Rim who have a current Australian Business Number.

Council’s Regional Prosperity team will administer the program and will assist any business owners requiring help to complete an application.

“Although these grants are for relatively small amounts, they offer big benefits by boosting business capability in the rapidly evolving world of online selling and global e-commerce,” Cr Christensen said.

More information is available on Council's website https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/covid-19/for-businesses