Digital helps drive new small business operators

Photo: Fairfax Media

Western BACE has got backing to help small business operators develop digital marketing skills.

The business incubator has been given $50,000 to create a Digital BACE Marketing Makerspace, part of the state government’s $60 million LaunchVic initiative.

The funding will be used to familiarise local start-ups on how, and when, to use 3D printing, virtual reality software, computers and cameras for marketing.

Chief executive Mark Corrie said he hopes the initiative will pique the interest of local businesspeople and manufacturers.

He said the new strategic marketing concept could become a blueprint for economic development.

Marketing Entourage and BlueChilli will partner with Western BACE to deliver the marketing sessions.

Marketing Entourage co-founder Sam Hurley said creating a digital BACE will “upscale the capacity of businesses” in the region.

Small business, innovation and trade minister Philip Dalidakis said the LaunchVic funding would help make Victoria a preferred IT location for start-ups throughout the Asia Pacific region.

“Victoria is leading the country in start-up and small business growth, with about 8000 new businesses created in the last year alone,” Mr Dalidakis said.