Amazon has introduced a new program to help Aussie startups and entrepeneurs get seen by consumers while side-stepping many of the challenges of coming to market.
The retailer on Tuesday announced the debut of Amazon Launchpad – an online store which showcases innovative, local products to local consumers.
The program is aimed at helping small retailers with aspirations to scale to kickstart their growth and bring innovative products to market.
The site will allow startups to use Amazon’s expertise and infrastructure to grow their business and skip many of the upfront challenges of introducing a product to the market.
Start-ups will be supported from the get-go – with custom product pages allowing retailers to tell their story on the Launchpad store, marketing support and access to Amazon’s local fulfilment network including Prime.
Retailers will also have merchandised placements and feature in personalised recommendations.
At the launch of the site, more than 150 local and international brands will feature on the online store.
The news comes after research commissioned by Amazon found that more than two-thirds of SMEs with high-growth aspirations intend to grow their business online but a fifth aren’t confident using digital tools.
Rocco Braeuniger, Country Manager for Amazon Australia said the move is likely to see some stand-out entrepreneurs rise to the top.
“Australian inventors and entrepreneurs are responsible for some of the most innovative consumer products in the world from the electric drill right through to Vegemite. We’re excited to work with the next-generation of local entrepreneurs on bringing their innovative products to millions of customers – from Lyre’s Non Alcoholic Sprits Co, through to sustainable swimwear brand, Salt Gypsy from Byron Bay,” said
“With Amazon Launchpad, we have a program that will help ease some of these challenges for startups and entrepreneurs alike, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses and freeing up time for future innovation,” Braeuniger said.