Australia Post’s Local Business Heroes program has unveiled its latest champions, aiming to bolster small businesses nationwide.
The fashion sector triumphed this year, comprising a notable 18 per cent of all submissions. Among the victors is Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, an exceptional clothing enterprise hailing from Canberra, renowned for its specialised mastectomy swimwear catering to breast cancer survivors.
Following closely behind, the Arts and Crafts category claimed 13 percent of the accolades, showcasing remarkable winners such as The Daily Planner, an innovative teacher’s planner from Brisbane, and Calm Ideas, a Sydney-based establishment crafting anxiety-relief products for children.
In addition to these remarkable achievements, other business domains achieved recognition within the program. Jewellery and Accessories secured an 11 percent share, while Bath and Body Products and Food and Drinks both commanded 8 per cent each. Notably, Naked Asian Grocer, an environmentally conscious Asian grocery store based in Melbourne, emerged triumphant within the food industry.
The Local Business Heroes program provides invaluable assistance to chosen entrepreneurs, furnishing them with coaching, marketing guidance, and technological support.
Eligible participants include existing Australia Post customers engaged in online product sales. Successful applicants have the privilege of selecting five beneficial options from eight available categories, such as Marketing, Sending (packaging and postage), Staying Connected, and Business Coaching. These endeavours culminate in a comprehensive package worth $5,000.
This year witnessed an extraordinary surge in program participation, with an astounding 400 per cent rise in submissions compared to the previous year. Out of over 4,000 applicants, 100 remarkable winners emerged, with a noteworthy 40 per cent originating from regional areas.
Designed to lend a helping hand to local business owners, the Local Business Heroes program aims to propel them towards new customer bases and bolster their enterprises. Given the prevailing challenges faced by small businesses in the wake of escalating inflation and interest rates, Australia Post responded by increasing the number of Local Business Heroes winners from 57 last year to an impressive 100 this year.
Gary Starr, the Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post, and eCommerce Services at Australia Post, expressed his elation at the overwhelming response garnered by this year’s program. He underscored the pivotal role played by small Australian businesses in driving the nation’s economy.
“Small businesses operate at the heart of all communities across Australia. Australia Post is extremely proud to provide support to hard-working business owners – helping their businesses to thrive.”
“I’m particularly delighted that, this year, we’ve seen an influx of applications from business across rural and regional Australia, which made up almost a third of all applications, who might not have the same opportunities as those located in metro locations.
“I look forward to seeing the winners reach new customers and utilise other benefits of the program,” Mr Starr said.
For more information visit auspost.com.au/localbusinessheroes
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