Tasmanian business Big Bite Dutch Treats is excited to participate in the Small Business Digital Champions project, an Australian government initiative. Over the next 12 months the business will receive a comprehensive digital transformation which will propel them into a successful future.
The start of the journey will be on the 24th of July when mentors from Deloitte will visit Big Bite Dutch Treats for a digital needs assessment. This initial assessment will collect key business information and identify opportunities to assist their business through digital technology. Next will be a digital transformation plan which will outline all the support they will receive. This may include hardware, software, online content development, or digital training to help the business thrive.
Owners Richard and Melanie Smit are very excited about the digital transformation: ‘We couldn’t believe that we are 1 of the 6 Tasmanian businesses chosen for this project. We struggled at times to take our business to the next digital level. This project will help us do this!’
Richard and Melanie would like to share their digital journey and new found knowledge with you. You can follow them on the Big Bite Dutch Treats Facebook page, Instagram and on their website.
Big Bite Dutch Treats trades from markets and events around Tasmania serving a range of Dutch treats including favourites such as stroopwafels (Dutch syrup waffles) and oliebollen (Dutch donuts). A range of the Dutch treats is also available though their online shop, deliveries and click & collect options. It is a small business with big plans.
The small business digital champions project is an Australian government initiative. The Australian Government and the Mentors want to make it easier for small businesses to engage with digital technology and unlock their potential, to help them be more effective, competitive and ultimately, more profitable.
As part of the project, 100 small businesses will receive a comprehensive digital transformation, with up to $18,500 in digital support, and additional products and services from corporate partners.
Around 99 per cent of all businesses are small, contributing $393 billion annually to our economy. They employ around 5.7 million people which is about half of the Australian private sector workforce. Deloitte’s Access Economics Connected Small Businesses 2017 Report found when small businesses are digitally engaged, they are 50 per cent more likely to be growing revenue, eight times more likely to be creating jobs, seven times more likely to be exporting, and 14 times more likely to be innovating new products and services. Using digital tools, such as online marketing or e-commerce, small businesses can expand into new markets, including overseas, and attract additional customers. Automating and digitising numerous processes not only frees up time for small business owners, it can lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety levels. These factors help small business owners put their full attention on what is important — spending time with their family and growing their business.