Local messaging service provider MessageMedia today announced new grants to assist Aussie small businesses in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With applications now open, the grants aim to provide financial support and free messaging services to ensure they maintain strong engagement with customers for the long-term.
As a result of the significant hardship experienced by the small business sector in Australia during this time, which represents nearly half (44%) of the entire workforce and accounts for 35% of Australia’s GDP, MessageMedia is giving businesses the chance to win $2,200 worth of free support.
There are three prize packages, each of which includes a $1,000 Visa debit card and a six-month subscription to MessageMedia’s Pro SMS package, along with on-going support and expertise in setting up and using SMS for their business.
MessageMedia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tara Salmon, said the competition will provide three businesses with a much-needed boost as Australians look to emerge from the health crisis.
“We are thrilled to be offering this support to Australian small businesses who are the backbone of our economy.
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve watched as the speed of SMS has allowed businesses to communicate and market more effectively in response to constantly changing market dynamics.”
Which businesses have benefited from the grants?
Small businesses, such as local Aussie confectionary retailer Lollyology, have seen incredible results during lockdown when using SMS services provided by MessageMedia.
Within five minutes of a single broadcast pointing to their ecommerce shop, 10% of Lollyology’s customer database will jump online with the majority of those (80%) going on to make a purchase.
Small business owner Adam Mayne of Mayne Fitness recently reopened with the help of text message services and has found SMS ‘even more vital’ when inviting customers back into the gym or checking in after another virtual training session.
Ms Salmon added, “These grants will allow small businesses to not only benefit from a financial boost, but from services that can help them thrive sustainably in new and innovative ways.
SMS has helped so many of our customers stay connected, drive new sales, improve customer service, engage employees, collect feedback, and deliver ROI at this crucial time like no other tool.
“We can’t predict how the next few months or the rest of the year will pan out. We can however support small businesses as much as possible to come out of this crisis stronger together.”
To enter the competition, all that small business owners need to do is simply submit, in 160 characters or less (the same length as an SMS, around 30 words), what they would do with the prize package of $1000 and six months of free SMS services.
For more information and details on how to enter, please visit the MessageMedia website. Applications close 14th August and winners will be contacted by MessageMedia via SMS on 21st August.
