Kick-start your digital journey with Victoria’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

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The arrival of COVID-19 has transformed the lives of small business owners across the country. In Victoria, under shifting waves of lockdown restrictions, many have seen sales plummet and their doors temporarily close. As the state moves into new phases of recovery, the key to not only your business’ survival, but its continued growth, lies in boosting its digital capabilities across everything from online payments to automated processes.

To support any small businesses that are beginning their online journey, we’re excited to announce that Xero has partnered with the Victorian government’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program. To guide you in getting started, we’ve answered some key questions below.

What is the Victorian Government’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program?

Compromising of a $20m investment in the sector, this program is designed to increase Victorian small business’ digital capability by encouraging them to trial new software. The program is open to Victorian businesses from all industry sectors.

How much is the reimbursement and do I need to be a new customer?

On the condition that you haven’t used the participating software before, you’ll be entitled to a reimbursement of $1,200 after buying a software subscription (see below for the full process and eligibility criteria).

All of which means that you’ll be eligible if you’re new to Xero’s online accounting software. The $1,200 rebate can go towards the subscription to any of our Starter, Standard or Premium plans.

What dates does the program run across?

The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program will run from 6 November 2020 to 30 June 2021. Registrations for digital product trials and workshops will be open from 6 November 2020 to 28 February 2021.

And when can I apply for the reimbursement?

Applications for purchase rebates of $1,200 to cover 12 months access to your chosen software product will be open from 1 December 2020 to 11.59pm on 31 March 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

Can I get multiple reimbursements across each of the participating software providers?

While you’re welcome to spread the $1,200 across a number of subscriptions, you will only receive the one reimbursement. Want to bundle your software? Xero integrates with participating software providers, Shopify and Square, so you can fully digitise your business.

Are there any other eligibility criteria that I need to know about?

In order to sign up for the program, you must:

Have held a valid ABN since 13 September 2019
Be registered for GST since 13 September 2020
Report sales of at least $75,000 in your annual tax return
Be a sole trader, micro business or small business
Operate your business in Victoria
Be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator
Be a new customer to the product
Pay for the subscription yourself

I already have a website, why do I need more software for my business?

As Trent Innes, Xero’s Managing Director – Australia & Asia, explains, making the move online goes far beyond creating a website. “It’s about harnessing software to digitise everything from broadening your customer acquisition, to servicing your customers, to administrative tasks like payment processes – giving business owners back far more productive hours in the day.”

Not only do you stand to reduce admin, reach more customers and increase accuracy, but you’ll find yourself with more time to spend where it counts: investing in your business. And it all begins with uncovering the right software.

So, how does this program work and what do I need to do?

Register for the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program on the program website here.
Once registered click on the Xero logo, which will take you to Xero’s dedicated Small Business Digital Adaptation Program landing page.
Click the ‘Sign up’ button and fill out your business’ details to start a free 30 day trial.
When you’re ready or your trial expires, select the Xero plan that best meets your needs and enter your payment details.
You will be contacted one month after signing up through the program to ensure that your business has begun using the software.
Once you’ve confirmed continued use, you will receive a purchase rebate of $1,200 to cover 12 months access to your chosen product (The Victorian Government will pay within ten working days of receiving confirmation).

Is there any other support on offer though this program?

Registered businesses can attend free digital adaptation workshops offered via the Business Victoria website. Workshops will be delivered across Victoria in face-to-face (subject to COVID restrictions) and online formats.

The Victorian government’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is the ultimate incentive to discover the software that meets your businesses’ needs. The road to recovery may be long and bumpy, but by arming your business with the right tools, you can set yourself up to succeed – now and into the future.

I’d like help finding an advisor to help me grow my business, where can I go?

Choosing an accountant or bookkeeper is like choosing a new business partner. The right advisor will become a trusted colleague you can depend on, who offers advice and guidance as your small business grows. Check out Xero’s Advisor Directory to find the right advisor to match your needs.

To kick-start your business’ digital journey, visit Xero’s dedicated Victorian Government’s Small Business Digital Adaptation Program sign up page here.

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