Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Services
Join Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Services program and get access to business mentoring, online workshops, webinars and courses to help you start, sustain, and grow your business online.
Ready to grow your business?
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What's included?
The Digital Solutions program, formerly known as ASBAS provides eligible Victorian small businesses with advisory services including one-on-one business mentoring, workshops, webinars and online courses. Whether you want to attract more customers online, develop a website, increase your social media following or improve your business's online security, the Digital Solutions program can help you.
By joining the program, you can access to the following services:
By joining the program, you can access to the following services:
MENTORING
Program participants are eligible for three hours of one-on-one business mentoring. Choose from 30+ mentors who can help you determine the unique needs of your business and develop a digital strategy.
WORKSHOPS
Attend our online workshops run by leading industry experts on a range of topics such as digital marketing, social media, SEO, website building, accounting software and more. Also access our suite of recorded webinars.
ONLINE COURSES
Learn step-by-step how to bridge the gaps in your business with our comprehensive online learning portal. Our easy-to-follow and accessible courses provide all the information you need to digitise your business.
Success Stories
We've helped thousands of Victorian small businesses get online and grow.
“Due to the ongoing mentoring and support, my skillset increased in this area, improving my confidence to make decisions about digital marketing.”
Steps to register
The Melbourne Innovation Centre is a Digital Solutions provider, supporting small businesses across Victoria. To access the program's services, you must be operating for-profit in Victoria with an active ABN and have under 20 full-time equivalent employees. Sole traders can also access the program.
BUSINESS RESILIENCE TO BRILLIANCE
A series of face-to-face events across Regional & Metropolitan Victoria to connect and inspire business owners with all things digital.
Digital Solutions Victoria presents a dedicated series of live events to inspire, educate and empower SMEs to succeed in the current landscape.
Delivered statewide throughout April and May 2022, the showcase highlights the rising digital opportunities for small businesses – and how best to prepare, pivot, and profit from them.
With the impacts of COVID-19 still playing out, industry leaders share stories and insights into implementing small shifts for progressive change in this new collective frontier.
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Meet some of our mentors
Rohit Thomas
Macedon Ranges, Victoria
Rohit is a trusted digital interpreter for industries big and small, and is appreciated for his strategic and thoughtful approach to brands and business.
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio:
Rohit is a trusted digital interpreter for industries big and small, and is appreciated for his strategic and thoughtful approach to brands and business. Developed with over fifteen years of global experience in technology leadership, Rohit has a reputation for his problem-solving abilities and delivery of real impact. He is a highly experienced digital interpreter and marketer with global experience in developing highly complex digital projects and making them accessible for the individual.
He is respected for his proficiency in applying brand and real-life user requirements to complex technology that are sustainable and accessible. He has considerable experience in business intelligence, and search engine advertising.
Mentor Links:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Meeting Type Options:
Location:
7 High St Kyneton VIC 3444
- Website / app development
- Digital product development
- Business intelligence / analytics
- Search engine optimisation & search engine advertising
- E-commerce
Mentor Bio:
Rohit is a trusted digital interpreter for industries big and small, and is appreciated for his strategic and thoughtful approach to brands and business. Developed with over fifteen years of global experience in technology leadership, Rohit has a reputation for his problem-solving abilities and delivery of real impact. He is a highly experienced digital interpreter and marketer with global experience in developing highly complex digital projects and making them accessible for the individual.
He is respected for his proficiency in applying brand and real-life user requirements to complex technology that are sustainable and accessible. He has considerable experience in business intelligence, and search engine advertising.
Mentor Links:
Website
Meeting Type Options:
- Face-to-face (Good / Hands Office)
- Teleconference
- Skype/Zoom
Location:
7 High St Kyneton VIC 3444
Kirri Romero
Melbourne, Victoria
Kirrily is the principal digital strategist at the Online Fix, which specialises in digital marketing and strategy for small and micro business, showing them how best to use online to generate consistent leads and sales.
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio:
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media
- Customer Engagement
- Website Building & Selling Online
Mentor Bio:
Kirrily is the principal digital strategist at the Online Fix, which specialises in digital marketing and strategy for small and micro business, showing them how best to use online to generate consistent leads and sales. She believes in the power of digital to make all the difference to a business and see’s it as the great equaliser regardless of your size. She starts with understanding the customer’s digital behaviour and develops a responsive plan that leverages this behaviour for her clients. Kirrily has over 20 years of experience working in all facets of online, creating successful online experiences, working in a variety of industries, from big corporates to small businesses.
Mentor Links:
Website
Facebook
Mentor Links:
Website
Meeting Type Options:
Face-to-Face (North-Eastern Melbourne)
Face-to-Face (North-Eastern Melbourne)
Skype/Zoom 1:1
Location:
Melbourne
Location:
Melbourne
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio
- Marketing Advice for Small Business
- Digital and Branding Strategy
- Setting out a Website to Get More Sales and Leads
- Writing on Websites that Converts to Customers
- Wordpress
- Content-based SEO Techniques
- Mailchimp Newsletters and Integration
- Website and Email Hosting
- DIY Design using Canva
- Editing and Optimising WordPress Sites
- Simple DIY Website Setup using Google Business
- Cloud Backups and Storage
- Instant Payments using Square
- Digital Device Setup and Advice
- Phone and Internet Plan Advice
- Free Google tools
- Optimising Google Maps Listings
Mentor Bio
Jason is a marketing and tech professional located in Wangaratta. Using his content marketing expertise, he can look at your website through the eyes of your customer and suggest optimisation tips that will help you generate more sales and conversions.
He also helps small business to help them "up-skill" and become tech-savvy on topics like selecting digital devices, phones and internet, as well as provide technical support and advice on a range of digital topics.With along history in digital and a degree in engineering, Jason has what it takes to get your business sailing smoothly.
Mentor Links:
Website: https://copycrusaders.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontownsend86
Meeting Type Options:
Location: Wangaratta, VIC
He also helps small business to help them "up-skill" and become tech-savvy on topics like selecting digital devices, phones and internet, as well as provide technical support and advice on a range of digital topics.With along history in digital and a degree in engineering, Jason has what it takes to get your business sailing smoothly.
Mentor Links:
Website: https://copycrusaders.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontownsend86
Meeting Type Options:
- Face-to-face (Wangaratta, VIC)
- Skype
Location: Wangaratta, VIC
Erika McInerney
WARRAGUL, VICTORIA
Erika is a specialist marketer with over 25 years experience creating and delivering solutions to businesses of all sizes. She’s passionate about knowledge sharing and building strong businesses and communities and delivers smart and helpful advice with no fluff or jargon.
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
- Strategic marketing communication
- Social media strategy
- Developing a marketing strategy/plan
- Personal brand development Content development and strategy
- Social media training
- Getting started ‘right’ on social media
- Facebook and Instagram advertising Building your brand online
- Building a business in public
Mentor Bio:
Erika is a marketing strategist and social media trainer at Mac&Ernie - founded to increase digital skills and confidence in individuals and organisations. She is highly recommended for her support and genuine dedication to helping small businesses succeed. Erika has worked extensively across industry sectors and, through Mac&Ernie, has helped thousands of small and micro businesses achieve their goals and stop stressing and guessing when it comes to digital marketing. Erika has a BA in Media & Communication and a Masters of Marketing and is a Certified Practising Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute. She has been working in advertising and digital marketing for over 25 years and shares that practical experience and knowledge freely. Erika is well known for her generosity and authenticity and provides training that is smart, relevant and jargon free.
Erika is a marketing strategist and social media trainer at Mac&Ernie - founded to increase digital skills and confidence in individuals and organisations. She is highly recommended for her support and genuine dedication to helping small businesses succeed. Erika has worked extensively across industry sectors and, through Mac&Ernie, has helped thousands of small and micro businesses achieve their goals and stop stressing and guessing when it comes to digital marketing. Erika has a BA in Media & Communication and a Masters of Marketing and is a Certified Practising Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute. She has been working in advertising and digital marketing for over 25 years and shares that practical experience and knowledge freely. Erika is well known for her generosity and authenticity and provides training that is smart, relevant and jargon free.
- Teleconference
- Skype/Zoom 1:1
Clarissa Harris
Collingwood, Victoria
Clarissa Harris is the Founder and Managing Director of True Tribe, an established boutique communications agency based in Melbourne.
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
During your training session we will identify your business's objectives and develop a tailored PR and social media strategy with a clear timeline and measurable goals. By the end, you will be prepared with the confidence and a step-by-step plan to kick start your PR and social media activities.
Clarissa is passionate about working with small businesses, empowering you with knowledge and helping you achieve your goals. She offers a strategic, no-nonsense approach to PR and social media training for small businesses in a friendly and supportive environment.
Mentor Links:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Meeting Type Options:
Location:
450 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- PR Campaigns
- Press Releases
- Influencer Engagement
- Social Media Content & Strategy
- Facebook & Instagram Management
- Event Planning & Coordinating
Mentor Bio:
Clarissa Harris is the Founder and Managing Director of True Tribe, an established boutique communications agency based in Melbourne. She is a professionally qualified PR consultant with a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) from RMIT University and over 10 years of experience.
She has worked with businesses of all sizes in the hospitality, food & beverage, corporate, tourism, wellness and fashion industry to develop successful PR and social media campaigns.
Clarissa Harris is the Founder and Managing Director of True Tribe, an established boutique communications agency based in Melbourne. She is a professionally qualified PR consultant with a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) from RMIT University and over 10 years of experience.
She has worked with businesses of all sizes in the hospitality, food & beverage, corporate, tourism, wellness and fashion industry to develop successful PR and social media campaigns.
During your training session we will identify your business's objectives and develop a tailored PR and social media strategy with a clear timeline and measurable goals. By the end, you will be prepared with the confidence and a step-by-step plan to kick start your PR and social media activities.
Clarissa is passionate about working with small businesses, empowering you with knowledge and helping you achieve your goals. She offers a strategic, no-nonsense approach to PR and social media training for small businesses in a friendly and supportive environment.
Mentor Links:
Website
Meeting Type Options:
- Face-to-Face (Collingwood, Melbourne)
- Skype/Zoom 1:1
Location:
450 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Morgan Williams
DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA
Morgan is Creative Director of his own Communication Design studio. He has a passion for all things design and works within a wide variety of industries from destination and health to festivals and cultural events, small businesses.
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio:
Morgan is Creative Director of his own Communication Design studio of 5 in Daylesford, VIC. He has a passion for all things design and works within a wide variety of industries from destination and health to festivals and cultural events, small businesses.
He has a BA in Visual Communication and Diploma in Multi-media. He runs lectures at FedUni with a focus on branding, web design, digital marketing and strategy.
Mentor Links:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Meeting Type Options:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
- Design & Business Strategy
- Branding
- Web (Wordpress / Squarespace)
- Online Marketing & Digital Assets
Mentor Bio:
Morgan is Creative Director of his own Communication Design studio of 5 in Daylesford, VIC. He has a passion for all things design and works within a wide variety of industries from destination and health to festivals and cultural events, small businesses.
He has a BA in Visual Communication and Diploma in Multi-media. He runs lectures at FedUni with a focus on branding, web design, digital marketing and strategy.
Mentor Links:
Website
Meeting Type Options:
- Teleconference
- Skype/Zoom
Guido Melo
Prahran, Victoria
Guido Melo is the General Manager and co- founder of Melko boutique. Guido is a UX designer, UX writer, copywriter, photographer, visual merchandiser, learning designer, and digital marketing advertiser.
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio:
Briana has a vast experience of customer service, sales, account management, marketing, and social media across retail, telecommunications, small to medium business and not for profit.
After working in corporate marketing for 9 years, she a saw an opportunity with social media. Mingle Media was established in 2014.
Over the past 4 years Briana has worked on accounts and created campaigns for Federal MP's, businesses in Health and Beauty, Real Estate, Fitness, Women's Foot wear, Events, and many more. Every year she attends the Social Media Marketing World Conference in San Diego to keep up with the latest trends and tools.
Although often glued to the phone, Briana calls ‘tools down’ daily to spend time with her 2 little people.
Mentor Links:
Website: http://www.minglemedia.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minglemediabendigo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minglemediabendigo
Meeting Type Options:
Location:
Bendigo, VIC
Mentor Contact:
briana@minglemedia.com.au
- Social media strategy
- Marketing strategy
Mentor Bio:
Briana has a vast experience of customer service, sales, account management, marketing, and social media across retail, telecommunications, small to medium business and not for profit.
After working in corporate marketing for 9 years, she a saw an opportunity with social media. Mingle Media was established in 2014.
Over the past 4 years Briana has worked on accounts and created campaigns for Federal MP's, businesses in Health and Beauty, Real Estate, Fitness, Women's Foot wear, Events, and many more. Every year she attends the Social Media Marketing World Conference in San Diego to keep up with the latest trends and tools.
Although often glued to the phone, Briana calls ‘tools down’ daily to spend time with her 2 little people.
Mentor Links:
Website: http://www.minglemedia.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minglemediabendigo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minglemediabendigo
Meeting Type Options:
- Face-to-Face (Bendigo, VIC)
- Skype/Zoom 1:1
- Teleconference
Location:
Bendigo, VIC
Mentor Contact:
briana@minglemedia.com.au
Expertise and bio
Mentor Expertise:
Mentor Bio
- Marketing Advice for Small Business
- Culture and Diversity Business advice
- Digital Strategy
- Website Design
- UX writing
- Website copyright
- Shopify
- SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
- Electronic Digital Media (EDM)
- Specialised in Klaviyo newsletters and email automation
- Website and Email Hosting
- Canva Design
- Setting up Google Business
- Cloud Storage
- Google tools advice
- Squarespace website design
- Conversion lead website design
- UI and UX website design
- Marketing strategy
- Marketing research
- Google Ads (PPC)
- Influencer engagement and collaboration
- Social Media Content & Strategy
- Facebook & Instagram management Miro Specialist
Mentor Bio
Guido Melo is the General Manager and co- founder of Melko boutique. Guido is a UX designer, UX writer, copywriter, photographer, visual merchandiser, learning designer and digital marketing advertiser.
Guido specialises in diversity and diverse clients from CALD and culturally diverse backgrounds. He has over 15 years’ experience in the digital media and fashion industry. Guido is also a published author, poet and writer based in Naarm (Melbourne)
Mentor Links:
Instagram
Twitter
Meeting Type Options:
Mentor Links:
Meeting Type Options:
- Skype/Zoom
Upcoming online workshops
Repurposing Content: How to Save Time on Social Media
Event details
In this workshop, we’ll teach you one of the most useful marketing hacks: how to repurpose your existing content to make writing social media posts easy. You’ll also learn how to use SEO tools to find out what your customers want to learn about your business and industry, how to write a functional blog post quickly, how to schedule social content with affordable software, and how to multiply one piece of content into 20 social media posts. You’ll leave with a new lease on social media marketing.
Intellectual Property: How to Protect your Brand, Idea or Creation
Event details
This workshop will cover:
- Why branding is so important and how to select and build a strong brand
- The importance of clearance searches prior to launching a new brand or entering a new market
- Top tips for protecting your key brands, including logos and taglines
- How registering your valuable trade mark rights can protect your brand from misuse
Social Media Marketing 101
Event details
Learn which social media platforms are best for finding your target audience, the intricacies of each channel for business, and how to increase brand loyalty and boost web traffic.
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
- Why social media is important for small business
- Which platforms will drive the most customers to your small business
- Creating a content distribution strategy to maintain a consistent brand
- Utilising social media management tools to schedule posts and analyse performance
This online workshop is for small business owners who want to: - Learn about the various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc)
- Create and optimise social media profiles/pages for their small business
- Walk away with practical knowledge and the confidence to use social media!
How to optimise Google Business Profile (Formerly Google My Business) to get more customers
Event details
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool designed to strengthen your business listing on Google. You can manage your business details including name, location, opening hours, photos, as well as viewing and responding to customer reviews. Your Google Business Profile listing shows up on the right-hand side of relevant Google search results, displaying images, map of location, and general business details.
This webinar will show you how to:
This webinar will show you how to:
- How to create an account and claim your business
- The process of verifying your account
- Populating your profile data
- Optimising for SEO
- Linking to your listing
Streamline Your Digital Touchpoints
Event details
Each bit of contact a customer has with your brand - be it via your website, social media, a physical store or in a meeting - is called a touchpoint. These experiences have an enormous impact on consumer perceptions of your brand - often subconsciously. Building a business that is consistent across all online platforms is not only important for brand-building and reputability - it instills a sense of confidence in both new and existing customers, and makes them more likely to think of you when they’re looking to purchase. Everything from your social media posts and online ads, to your blog and website need to align and be consistent.
Profile Building & Networking on LinkedIn
Event details
LinkedIn is a powerful tool. Use it to make new connections, generate leads, and build your brand. It’s an effective method of recruiting new talent, so use it to access qualified job applicants.
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
- The benefits of LinkedIn
- Building an influential presence
- Creating content to engage and drive traffic to your website
- Rules and etiquette—how and how not to behave on LinkedIn
This workshop is for small business owners who want to: - Start a LinkedIn profile
- Grow their LinkedIn following
- Better utilise LinkedIn for your small business
Online courses
Registration form
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Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to register?
To access the program's services, you must be operating for-profit in Victoria and have under 20 full-time equivalent employees. Sole traders can also access the program. Your business must have an ABN.
What are the costs involved?
Mentoring, workshops, and all online courses in the Education Portal can be accessed for a flat membership fee of $44. You can access up to 3 hours of 1:1 mentoring, subject to availability.
*Do I qualify for a Financial Hardship Exemption?
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact our team.
How much time do I need to dedicate to the program?
The initial program phone call will last approximately 30 minutes. Our business consultant will use this time to learn about your business' needs and ascertain how you can get the most out of the program. They will recommend pertinent topic areas and upcoming workshops best suited to your needs. You will then have access to 3 hours of mentoring and 4 hours of workshops. You have unlimited access to the Education Portal to undertake the online courses.
When does the program end?
The program runs until 30 September 2022. In that time you can access your allocation of mentoring and workshops, as well as expand your knowledge and skill set with our online courses. Access to experts via Mentoring and our Creative Studio is likely to reach capacity before that time, so we recommend booking early.
Where are the workshops held?
Due to COVID-19, workshops are currently being delivered online. Once restrictions allow for face-to-face workshops to resume, they will be held in various locations across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
How will my small business benefit?
Your business will become more equipped to compete in the digital marketplace. You will have access to expert business mentors and designers who will work with you one-on-one to enhance your online presence. You will attend workshops and continue your upskilling journey with our online courses that are tailored to small businesses. Learn how to build a website, implement digital marketing strategies, connect with social media and much more!
How to do I log in to the online portal?
At the top of this page, you should either see a Login button or an After Login button. Click whichever is showing up for you and you should be directed to the online portal. If that doesn't work, click the "View more FAQs" button below for a more detailed step-by-step process on logging in!
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