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

April 2nd, 2021 by igniite

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

Updated 9th March 2021

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, or add a WorkflowMax subscription to your existing Xero subscription. 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 15 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 (digital product trials will be open across these dates). Businesses can trial products for free for up to one month, depending on the trial offered by each supplier and trial start date.

You can also register to participate in free digital adaptation workshops and seminars shown in an events calendar available at the program website. Workshops will be delivered online and face-to-face (subject to COVID restrictions) until 18 June 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 30 June 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 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?

Visit the program website here to trial the available digital products.
Use the online ABN checker to assess validity before purchasing the eligible product of your choice.
Complete an online application for the $1,200 purchase rebate, including supplying proof of purchase.
Your business will be contacted six weeks after rebate eligibility is established to confirm ongoing use.
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).

CONTACT IGNIITE FOR MORE INFO ON 0412 754 444