To help Victorian businesses in the new digital economy, Shopify is participating in the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program – a $20 million initiative by the Victorian State Government.
In Victoria, more than 600,000 small businesses—those with fewer than 20 employees— represent half of all private sector jobs and more than one-third of the state’s output in goods and services.
The new program is open to all industry sectors and is part of the Victorian government’s $3 billion investment in cash grants, tax relief measures and cashflow support to help businesses impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
As part of the program, eligible Victorian businesses will receive first 30 days of Shopify for free, a rebate on a one-year Shopify subscription and 24/7 support including access to Shopify’s online educational resources.
“The pandemic is accelerating the need for small businesses to get online in order to survive and thrive in the digital economy,” Shopify president, Harley Finkelstein said.
“It’s more important than ever to support local businesses and provide them an opportunity tosell to anyone, anywhere. We look forward to working with the Victorian Government on this crucial program to help small businesses succeed now and in the future.”
This year, Shopify has announced similar efforts through Empire State Digital with New York’s State Government and Go Digital Canada with the Government of Canada, focused on building solutions to help retailers successfully adapt to the changing face of commerce.