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?
Write your awesome label here.
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.
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
Introduction to Google Analytics for business performance
Event details
Google Analytics offers all the information you need to improve your online business activities. Discover traffic sources, bounce rates (per source), pages visited, user behaviour, conversions, and revenue. This workshop will break down the various analytics so you can understand how to apply the data.
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:
- Understanding the Google Analytics dashboard
- Key data that can inform your business activities
- Applying the data you discover to enhance your website’s performance
This online workshop is for small business owners who want to: - Set up Google Analytics on their website
- Gain a deeper understanding of what is and is not working on their site
- Use the data provided by Google Analytics to make informed business decisions
Register for this online workshop to improve your website using Google Analytics.
Niche'ing Down Your Target Audience: How Targeting a Niche Can Improve Your Business
Event details
When you try to be something for everyone, you end up being remembered by no-one. Human beings are inherently different; with varying needs, wants and desires. When you speak to them directly, you’re far more likely to create connection and be remembered. This workshop will teach you how finding your target market and knowing your niche will help to simplify your business and give you a competitive edge, discuss the importance of market research, and outline how to adapt your marketing messaging. See you there.
How to Create a Pro Level Website for Under $100
Event details
Websites are a critical communication channel for businesses. Most consumers rely on the internet to find the product or service they need, so not only does your small business lack legitimacy without a website, but it misses a critical opportunity for discovery.
It’s time to level up your marketing with an online presence. Platforms such as WordPress make it easy to build your own website. This workshop will guide you through a digital strategy and details for creating a basic WordPress website.
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
It’s time to level up your marketing with an online presence. Platforms such as WordPress make it easy to build your own website. This workshop will guide you through a digital strategy and details for creating a basic WordPress website.
Here's a quick taste of some of the topics we'll discuss:
- Where and how to buy a domain name and website hosting
- Structuring a basic website for easy user navigation
- The power of content builders/content management systems
- How to use open-source website builders such as WordPress
This workshop is for small business owners who want to: - Create a basic website or update their existing site
- Develop their online presence
- Walk away with a better understanding of the process required to build their own website
Register for this workshop to learn how to approach building your own website for your small business.
Online courses
Registration form
Our partners
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!
Featured links
Copyright © Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Services program 2018 - 2021