Meta heads to Byron Bay to boost small businesses
Josh Machin, Meta Australia Head of Public Policy
Originally Published: 21 November 2022
Last week, Meta headed to Byron Bay — home to many entrepreneurs and small business owners — to run a Meta Boost workshop in partnership with both the Byron Bay and Mullumbimby Chambers of Commerce.
During the free digital skills workshop, over 140 participants learned about the key tools and resources across Facebook and Instagram they can use to start and grow a business online. We also heard from a panel of local small business owners, including Breastfeeding Tea Co, Bun Coffee and Jefa Gallery, who are successfully using Meta’s online tools to grow their business.
Federal Member for Richmond, the Hon. Justine Elliot MP, joined us and commented:
“Our local businesses are the backbone of the North Coast economy. Yet, the past couple of years have been challenging for them, due to COVID and the recent devastating floods. Digital skills have become so important for our local businesses, not only as a means to survive, but also as a great way to grow, and connect and keep in touch with their customers. Making sure businesses continue to upskill and expand their online capabilities is vitally important.”
A recent report by Deloitte highlights the critical role digital technology plays in improving the personalisation of products, services and customer experiences, and why workshops like Meta Boost matter. Amongst a raft of findings, the report noted:
- 82% of Australian small businesses used Facebook apps to help them start their businesses;
- 71% of Australian small businesses that used personalised advertising found it effective in finding new customers, and;
- 62% of Australian small businesses that used personalised advertising on Facebook or Instagram found it important in successfully growing their businesses.
Meta is committed to helping small businesses in the Byron Bay region thrive, and with the pandemic and floods causing disruptions, we recognise it’s been a tough few years. Earlier this year, Meta’s Crisis and Disaster Response Fund donated $100,000 to Foodbank Australia and the Australian Red Cross in support of their Queensland and New South Wales Floods Appeal. Meta also provided a flood recovery package for small businesses across NSW and Queensland, which included tailored one-to-one business consultation with a Meta Small Business Specialist and a $200 Facebook ad credit to help businesses reach new customers. We believe these initiatives, combined with our Meta Boost program, can help make a lasting difference for businesses in the area.
Jordana Edwards, the founder of Breastfeeding Tea Co., participated in the event and said:
“Meta Boost events are vitally important for our local community so that small businesses can learn how to use powerful platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to improve the way we reach customers and attract them to our websites. I’m sure all of us learned something today.”
Boost workshops have so far been run in over 50 towns across Australia, providing support to over 30,000 small businesses. For more information on tools and tips to support your business, click here. For information on how to keep your business and communities safe online, click here.
