Australian finteh Zeller has announced a new initiative that will support small businesses in regional Australia.
The Zeller Regional Small Business Grant will provide $10,000 worth of grants annually to regional small businesses, with the goal of equipping them with technology, resources, and funding needed to succeed in a changing economic landscape.
The announcement coincided with the premiere of Welcome to Inglewood, the second short film by Zeller, which delves into the ongoing challenges the regional small-business owners in a rural town situated in the Loddon Shire of Victoria. In particular, the film sheds light on the have confronted over the years, from dwindling foot traffic and faltering infrastructure, to increasingly adverse weather events.
Despite these hurdles, the film highlighted the resilience of the Inglewood business community and how well they adapted in the face of economic turbulence, with the help of technology. The short film and accompanying story showcases the indomitable spirit of Inglewood’s small business leaders, steadfast in their mission to preserve the town’s charm and vitality.
“Zeller recognises small businesses as the lifeblood of regional economies, driving innovation, fostering community, and fueling growth,” Joshua McNicol, Director of Growth at Zeller, said. “But the challenges faced by regional businesses are also distinctly unique, and often a result of factors out of their control such as tourism, traffic, weather, and access to financial services or technology.
“That’s why we’re committed to enabling business owners with the solutions they need to thrive, whether through facilitating payments, improving their cashflow, or managing their finances,” McNicol added. “Additionally, through Zeller’s new Regional Small Business Grant, we aim to provide tangible support to regional business owners so they can unleash their full potential and contribute even more to their local communities.”
Recent figures indicate that Australia’s rural towns contribute approximately 40 per cent of the total economic output and has served as a stabilising force. Inglewood, once a major hub during the mid-19th century gold rush, is among the many rural towns where business owners are adapting their business model to thrive in a more challenging economic environment.
