Australia Post empowers 100 online small businesses

Australia Post has proudly announced the 100 winners of its highly anticipated Local Business Heroes program, a commendable initiative aimed at supporting small businesses across the country. Each recipient will receive a comprehensive package of business support, products, and services, specifically designed to enhance their existing eCommerce capabilities.

This year’s Local Business Heroes program witnessed a staggering 400 per cent increase in entries compared to the previous year, with an impressive 4,000 participants vying for the coveted recognition. Notably, 40 per cent of the winners hailed from regional Australia, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in all corners of the country.

The annual program was conceived to aid local business owners in expanding their customer base and invigorating their enterprises. In response to the mounting challenges faced by small businesses, such as surging inflation rates and interest hikes, Australia Post significantly raised the number of Local Business Heroes winners from 57 last year to an impressive 100 this year.

Gary Starr, the Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post, and eCommerce Services at Australia Post, expressed his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response to this year’s application phase, emphasizing the program’s crucial role in supporting Australian small businesses, which are the backbone of the nation’s economy.

“Small businesses operate at the heart of all communities across Australia. Australia Post is extremely proud to provide support to hard-working business owners – helping their businesses to thrive,” Starr stated.

He further noted the surge in applications from rural and regional Australia, which accounted for nearly a third of all entries. Starr expressed his anticipation for the winners’ ability to reach new customers and capitalize on the program’s various benefits.

“I look forward to seeing the winners reach new customers and utilize other benefits of the program,” he remarked.

Related: Rising interest rates forecasted to create ‘pockets of distress’ for SMEs

The Local Business Heroes winners for 2023 spanned various industries, with clothing dominating as the most popular category, comprising 18 per cent of all applications. Among the notable winners in this category was Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, a Canberra-based clothing business specializing in mastectomy swimwear for breast cancer survivors.

Arts and Crafts followed closely behind, accounting for 13 per cent of applications. Notable winners in this field included The Daily Planner, a Brisbane-based teacher’s creation tailored for educators, and Calm Ideas, a Sydney-based business offering anxiety-relief products for children, such as notepads and cardboard boxes.

Jewellery and Accessories, Bath and Body Products, and Food and Drinks categories also showcased strong representation, each making up a significant portion of this year’s applicants. Noteworthy among the winners was Naked Asian Grocer, a sustainable zero-waste Asian grocery store based in Melbourne.

The Local Business Heroes program provides comprehensive assistance through coaching, marketing, and technology support. Applications were open to all small businesses engaged in online product sales and already served as customers of Australia Post.

In 2023, recipients had the opportunity to choose five benefit options out of eight, forming their $5,000 Local Business Heroes package. The eight options encompassed four key categories: Marketing, Sending (packaging and postage), Staying Connected, and Business Coaching.

Australia Post’s Local Business Heroes program continues to make a significant impact on the small business landscape, enabling entrepreneurs nationwide to thrive, innovate, and make invaluable contributions to their local communities.