South Australian exporters will receive a boost from the State Government to go online and sell their products to the world as part of a new e-commerce Accelerator Program (eCAP).
Manufacturing and food, wine and agribusiness account for almost 60 per cent of exporting companies, with products suitable for eCommerce channels.
The $500,000 eCAP program comes after COVID-19 related restrictions have seen consumers embrace online platforms to purchase goods.
David Ridgway MLC, Minister for Trade and Investment said that this ‘click and purchase’ method of buying and selling has prompted innovative exporters to rethink how they build brand awareness and connect with their overseas customers.
The eCAP program will allow eligible small to medium exporters to apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding to diversify their business model to include an online platform to generate more revenue and create new jobs.
“Innovation is the backbone of successful business and this program offers businesses the opportunity to adapt and change to the challenges presented by COVID-19,” David said.
“We recognise that for many exporters, this means a completely new approach to how they interact with existing and potential clients.”
David said in a statement that there are currently an estimated 8,600 businesses across South Australia with the potential to export, including nearly 1,500 wholesalers, who could benefit from embracing e-commerce opportunities.
The Hamper Emporium is a family-owned, 100 per cent Australian online company that offers luxury gifting across Australia and is looking to expand into the international marketplace.
Owner Emily McWaters said the business couldn’t operate without an ecommerce platform.
“The platform enables us to sell our products all over Australia – products that you won’t find in a traditional retail outlet,” she said.
“Through our online business model, we’ve seen fantastic growth since we launched 10 years ago. People are turning to online shopping to find new products whilst they shop from the comfort of their own homes – or even via their mobile phones on the commute to work.”
Businesses with export-ready goods or services that are made in South Australia will be able to use the funding to help establish an e-commerce presence.
Businesses will be able to use the money to undertake training that may assist developing their business models, selling products online via third party platforms, or establishing e-commerce capability.
It will also be available to use for commissioning digital marketing plans or purchasing online advertising / conducting email marketing campaigns.
The grant can also be spent to build business capability, including establishing eCommerce capability platforms such as Shopify, selling products via third party platforms, commissioning the preparation of a digital marketing plan to drive traffic to an online store and training to assist developing business models/leverage online marketplaces.