By Jeff Scotch
Mornington has been recognised as one of Victoria’s top destinations for supporting small businesses, according to the inaugural Amex Shop Small Destination Index.
A survey of more than 4000 Australians ranked the places we most strongly associate with great food, unique local businesses and a strong sense of community. It rated Mornington No.4 in its list of the state’s top 10 Shop Small destinations.
Thesurvey is part of American Express’s Amex Shop Small Grants program which, in partnership with Mainstreet Australia, is offering some welcome relief to small business owners doing it tough.
From now until September 6, eligible Peninsula small businesses can apply for a Shop Small grant of $20,000. American Express has contributed an initial $1m for 50 grants through the program and will add an additional $1, up to a further $1m, for every eligible transaction made using an Amex card at participating Shop Small businesses between August 1-7.
American Express Australia managing director Corrina Davison said the program was an opportunity for up to 100 small businesses to gain funds to help them invest in their future and continue making a difference in the communities they serve.
“Small businesses help shape the character of our communities,” Corrina said. “They create local jobs, bring people together and make our neighbourhoods more vibrant, resilient and distinctive. For the past 14 years, Shop Small has celebrated the people behind these businesses and reminded us that where we choose to spend has a real impact. Every time someone shops small, they’re backing the passion, hard work and ambition of a local business owner.”
The Amex Shop Small Destination Index found Australians see the strongest shop small destinations as those with great food, distinctive local businesses and a real sense of community, reinforcing that the most successful small business locations are where people choose to spend time, not just transact.
It also found:
• 93 per cent of Australians believe supporting small businesses is important, while 88 per cent agree small businesses play an essential role in making local areas vibrant and distinctive;
• 86 per cent agree small businesses help create more connected local communities;
• 72 per cent say cafés, restaurants and bars are where they most frequently engage with small businesses; and,
• More than half shop small to support their communities, while 45 per cent do so to support the business operators.
Mainstreet Australia president Joyce Watts said the Amex Shop Small Grants program would help small businesses invest in ideas that create lasting value for both their business and their community.
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of Australia’s main streets,” Joyce said. “They create jobs, bring character to our communities and give people a reason to shop, dine and connect in local neighbourhoods. The Amex Shop Small Grants program supports people with the ideas and passion to strengthen those places, whether that means a refreshed shopfront, new equipment or a new experience that brings a precinct to life.
“Mainstreet Australia is proud to partner with American Express to deliver this initiative nationally and we encourage Australian small businesses and precincts to submit their ideas. When our small businesses thrive, our main streets thrive, creating stronger communities for everyone.”
American Express encourages its card members to support small businesses during August 1-7 to contribute to the grant program. To apply for a grant, go to www.mainstreetaustralia.org.au/amexshopsmallgrantsprogram; learn more about Shop Small and find participating businesses at www.amex.com.au/shopsmall, and follow the campaign on socials using #ShopSmall.
