Published on 30/04/2021 by Any Business.Com.Au

Amazon Australia Launches Support for Small Businesses

Amazon Australia HQ has rolled out its annual Amazon Launchpad Innovation grants for 2021, after new research by the company showed just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small businesses.

According to the research, 30 per cent of Australian small businesses have invested in product or business innovation to reach new customers, while 82 per cent said they would "lean into" innovation to grow their business over the next 12 months.

When asked what they needed most in 2021, 47 per cent of small business owners elected access to new customers, 34 per cent said support with marketing advertising and social media activity, 31 per cent said financial support, and 30 per cent said they need help with future growth planning and innovation.

The research also found that e-commerce continues to be an important piece in small business channel strategy, with three-quarters of small businesses (75 per cent) agreeing that online sales would help grow their business over the next year.

The Amazon Innovation Launchpad grants are designed to "support Aussie start-ups and entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and share their e-commerce knowledge".

Interested business owners are urged to make an application to go in the running to win one of five grant packages worth over $200,000.

Once all applications have been received, a judging panel selected by Amazon will review the applications to determine a shortlist of candidates, who will then be given the opportunity to make a virtual pitch to Amazon.com.au headquarters.

"Lockdown restrictions have fast tracked the digitalisation of Australian businesses with over three quarters of SMBs saying e-commerce and digital tools have allowed them to run their business from anywhere," Head of Launchpad at Amazon Australia, Chadd Ciccarelli explained.

"Amazon Launchpad is a unique program that helps start-ups and entrepreneurs reach their online potential, whether they live in Broken Hill, Tassie, or Far North Queensland. We hope that this year's Innovation Grants will nurture the ingenuity that Aussie entrepreneurs are famous for and help the winners grow their businesses through e-commerce."

This year's five Innovation grant packages are worth more than $200,000 each and include: a $20,000 cash grant, Amazon advertising support, an exclusive boot camp experience with access to Amazon experts, a national advertising package with JCDecaux Nurture, industry mentorship, and onsite marketing placements on Amazon.com.au.

In a twist to this year's initiative, Amazon Launchpad will give ten finalists the opportunity to virtually pitch their entry direct into Amazon Australia HQ, to a panel of judges. This year's judges are Mr Ciccarelli, last year's grant recipients Rosa-Clare Willis and Andrew Ford from Crockd; Carolyn Creswell, founder of the country's leading muesli brand Carman's; and managing partner, Kylie Frazer, of tech investment group, Eleanor Ventures.

2020 Amazon Launchpad grant winner and 2021 judge, Rosa-Clare Willis of DIY Pottery Kit brand, Crockd said, not only did Amazon Launchpad open her eyes to Amazon as a marketing and distribution channel, but the program provided the support they needed during a turbulent covid-influenced 2020.

"The mentorship we've received has been incredible, and we're seeing our business really grow on Amazon.com.au," she explained.

"You've got to be in it to win it, and to any small business out there, whose wondering whether they should apply for a grant, I say, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain."

Applications for the Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants close at 11.59pm AEST on 10 May.

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AnyBusiness.com.au

Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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