Straight Talk Interviews – Hon. Karen Andrews MP

A few weeks ago Mark Bouris sat down with Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science, for Straight Talk to announce the latest government measure to support small businesses during COVID times and for the future.

In a recent press release, Minister Andrews’ office said, “The Morrison Government is future-proofing small businesses as they navigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new online tool to help them go digital and bounce back stronger out the other side.”

“Digital Coaching International will receive $1.9 million to establish ‘The Enterprising Community’, a non-government organisation that will create a website to drive digital capability among small businesses.

Min. Andrews was Queensland’s first-ever female Federal Cabinet Minister, having been sworn in as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology in the Morrison Government Cabinet in August 2018.

After a career as a mechanical engineer, Min. Andrews successfully launched and managed her own industrial relations consultancy, meaning she is actuely aware of what it is like to run a small business.

Min. Andrews was elected to parliament in 2010 as the Federal Member for McPherson on the Gold Coast.

Mark and Minister Andrews discuss what brought this new initiative about, what value it will add to the small business sector, and how industries can utilise digital during these difficult times.”

New funding for a dedicated online digital education platform for SME’s

Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science, joins Mark Bouris on this week’s Straight Talk to announce the latest government measure to support small businesses during COVID times and for the future.

The Morrison Government is future-proofing small businesses as they navigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new online tool to help them go digital and bounce back stronger out the other side.”

“Digital Coaching International will receive $1.9 million to establish ‘The Enterprising Community’, a non-government organisation that will create a website to drive digital capability among small businesses.”

Mark Bouris said the announcement is a positive one for the small business community, as it will help many business owners be more digitally aware and capable. The announcement is also a direct result of the Small Business Digital Task Force Report, chaired by Mark Bouris in 2018.

One of the key recommendations of the Report, was the establishment of a Non-Governmental Organisation which would “serve as the central, national point for information and advice on digital opportunities for Australian small businesses and their advisers.”

Minister Andrews announced that $1.9 million has been allocated to Digital Coaching International who will serve as the hub to provide small businesses with the digital coaching and educational resources needed right now.

Where to go for free online digital education?

Navii.digital has been established to help small businesses navigate through the web of information, advice and tech solutions to enable them to drive their digital transformation, growth and productivity.