The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns have pushed Goulburn Valley businesses to their limits, forcing many to increase their resources in the online sphere.
The transformation has been easier for some than others.
For those that have struggled to understand or find their place in the digital economy, or are looking to improve their strategy, an event in Shepparton will expose them to business people who have enjoyed success in that area.
Red Balloon founder Naomi Simson, who has appeared on the Shark Tank television program, will provide a virtual presentation to the Business Resilience to Brilliance event, which is being hosted by the Melbourne Innovation Centre.
Local entrepreneurial success stories will also make presentations.
MIC is a provider of the Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Services Program, a Federal Government-funded program that helps small businesses move online.
One local business that has made use of the program to increase its digital presence is The Good Dirt, a family business that is building an income stream beyond the farm gate.
Owner Leanne Pogue said her family was aiming to add value to the production from their mixed cropping farm at Ardmona by selling popcorn on the cob, and said a digital presence was vital to the growth of the business.
“We are a start-up and new,” she said.
“I think things like social media are like the modern-day business cards. I guess it’s an investment for the future.”
Ms Pogue said the program had helped expand her awareness of marketing online through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
“It’s made me aware of more things I should be looking into,” she said.
“You get three hours free mentoring when you start. I’ve just signed up for an hour session with a specialist in SEOs, or search engine optimisation, which I had no idea about, so we can try and get our business up higher in the search results a bit.
“You can’t feel dumb because it’s pitched at the right level.”
The Business Resilience to Brilliance event will be held on Tuesday, May 3, from 11am to 2:30pm at Shepparton Golf Club.
Tickets are available to purchase at: https://events.humanitix.com/shepparton-luncheon-business-resilience-to-brilliance