Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, looking over GoDigital material with RDANI Executive Officer Nathan Axelsson.
Wednesday, 8 February 2017
THE internet has opened up an entire world of consumers and opportunities to businesses across the Northern Tablelands, but many aren’t yet using the tool to best effect.
A new initiative by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) is set to break the digital divide. The GoDigital program will coach business workshops for anyone aiming to tap into the online economy, led by
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall saysmost businesses can make use of the internet.
“With infrastructure like the NBN, regional Australia is more connected than ever – and that opens up the market exponentially. There’s an audience of 3.5 billion connected users out there, and the web will take you to their doorstop,” Mr Marshall said.
“I urge people to make the most of this valuable resource – if you’ve never made the jump and taken your business online, the GoDigital workshops are the perfect way to get started. Whether you’re a fabricator in Armidale or artist in Boggabilla, people all over the world could soon have a chance to get in touch”
The six month workshop program will include online materials, web conferencing and ongoing support. Additionally, modular learning means users are free to choose what parts of the course will benefit them most.
If you feel the web may be an intimidating place, RDANI Chief Executive Officer Nathan Axelsson says you’re not alone.
“A 2013 RDANI report into businesses in the Digital Economy found that 86% of businesses in the region do not sell to customers online in any capacity, while 56% have no e-commerce site or online strategy at all. Any increase in skills that reduces those figures is a positive for the growth prospects of our region,” he said.
The GoDigital course aims to be practical yet informative – with subjects covering online training, building a website and audience, social media to training online.
It can take business owners from an introductory level to a certified web whiz in months.
“After six months, the GoDigital Project will have provided Northern Inland businesses with the skills to trade online for the first time, while others will have new digital skills that yield positive results,” Mr Axelsson said.
Anyone looking to take advantage of the free GoDigital workshops or educational resources should contact the Regional Development Australia Northern Inland office on 02 6771 0700 or email tgilleland@rdani.org.au