Optus Business Plus Tech Grant

Optus is inviting small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) to apply for an Optus Business Plus Tech Grant to support the adoption of new technology into their business and help them grow in the current economic climate.

The Optus Business Plus Tech Grant is part of a national initiative that will see $30,000 in tech grants available to SMBs and allow them to apply for one of two business mentorship opportunities available nationally.

Sean Casey, Vice President Optus Business, Enterprise and Business, said, “Optus recognises that the current economic landscape is challenging for many Aussie small businesses and we see tech grants and mentorship opportunities as a way to not only support SMBs today, but future proof them by providing technology solutions and knowledge to continue to evolve their business in the way they want.”

Two small businesses will be selected to receive a 1:1 mentorship session with one of two leading business mentors - Jo Burston, founder and CEO of Inspiring Rare Birds, and Jamal Elsheikh, One Love Australia founder - and a $5,000 tech grant. A further 20 SMEs will win $1,000 tech grants to support their business in adopting and evolving through tech.

Jo Burston said, “Support and building a community around you when in business is crucial. I am excited to team up with Optus Business to work with small businesses by providing advice and learnings from my own business career”.

The timing of the grant comes as research conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals rising inflation (42 per cent) and reduced consumer spending (41 per cent) are the two biggest concerns for SMBs in Australia, with many responding by cutting costs or paying themselves less.

It also revealed SMBs, which account for 97.5 per cent of all businesses in Australia, have reported a lack of understanding about the benefits of new technology (42 per cent) and identified the needs for internal skills and training (39 per cent) as the greatest barrier to upgrading their technology and finding new efficiencies.

To enter, eligible businesses simply need to enter their details here: https://www.optus.com.au/content/optus/en/business/optus-business-plus-mentorship-grant-competition.html, and in 50 words or less explain why they need an Optus Business Plus Mentorship Grant.

The giveaway is open to SMEs with 1-300 FTEs who are existing Optus Business customers.

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• Science & Technology
• Local Business / Economy