The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the commencement of a new program aimed at helping small businesses access new markets online, which they negotiated with Labor.
Greens Economic Development spokesperson, Tim Morris MP, spoke at the launch of the ‘Digital Ready for Retail’ program saying that the program would be delivered through a series of workshops and would help tool up businesses in every aspect of online commerce.
“Increasingly consumers are relying on the internet to research and purchase products and services and it is vital that Tasmanian business have access to this market,” said Mr Morris.
“What this program will deliver is education and support with creating and maintaining an online presence, especially for businesses that have traditionally only relied on a bricks and mortar operation.”
“Today participants heard from experts on social media, supply chain, distribution, marketing, branding and online development.”
“With the NBN being rolled out across the state, we need local businesses to be poised to take full advantage of the efficiencies and added capabilities that high speed internet offers.”
“Increasingly business is being done online and Tasmania needs to ensure that we get our fair share of the pie.”
“The National Australia Bank’s latest online retail sales index for the year to June 2013 shows continued growth in online spending, with $13.9 billion spent by shoppers online nationally.”
“Online retail business is growing at a rate of about 17% whereas bricks and mortar is lagging down around 3%.”
“I urge all Tasmanian businesses to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to get top quality advice from experts in the field.”
“This is a cooperative initiative that was negotiated between the Greens and Labor and is further proof of the proactive work that we are undertaking to transition towards a modern low-carbon economy,” Mr Morris said.
Tim Morris MP Greens Economic Development Spokesperson
