Searching for Australia’s next Regional Online Heroes
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Today, we’re kicking off the search for Australia’s Regional Online Heroes - innovative businesses in regional Australia who are using the web to grow.
Regional Online Heroes recognises outstanding regional businesses from right across the country that are engaging with digital, whether that’s using online marketing to attract new customers, or great e-commerce experiences enabling online shopping from near and far.
We know that digitally engaged small businesses are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue (Deloitte), which is great news for jobs and local communities, so we’ve joined forces with the Regional Australia Institute to find and celebrate businesses that are innovating online.
Last year’s finalists included a tea business in Cairns, a rose-petal farm in Swan Hill, a visual artist in Lismore, an agricultural software company in Toowoomba, and a health services provider in Northam, highlighting the depth and breadth of talent across regional Australia.
Finalists have the chance to take part in a digital marketing masterclass at Google HQ in Sydney to share their stories, seek advice and develop new skills.
Entries will be assessed by a panel of expert judges including:
- Hon Michael McCormack MP – Minister for Small Business
- Jane Cay – Founder and Director, Birdsnest
- David Koch – Television Presenter, Kochie’s Business Builders
- Dr Sandra Phillips – Leading Indigenous Scholar, Creative Industries Faculty, School of Communications, Queensland University of Technology
- Jack Archer – CEO, Regional Australia Institute
- John Ball – Managing Director of Google Marketing Solutions, Google Australia.
Applications close on Sunday 8 October 2017. Apply now or share with a regional online hero you know - cape and funny hat not required.
Want to brush up on your digital skills? Check out the Digital Garage online or attend one of our free Digital Garage trainings coming up in Hobart or Darwin.