The pandemic bred a wave of opportunistic entrepreneurs and as the impact of COVID-19 begins to lift, it is imperative for the economy that small businesses are not just surviving but are thriving. Quality design is one of the most underestimated business investments. Design has the power to enhance customer experience and increase brand loyalty as it is the main differentiator for businesses in a crowded market.

The team at Vista, the new master brand encompassing Vistaprint, 99designs by Vistaprint, and the recently acquired VistaCreate, have seen growing demand for design, e-commerce, and social media solutions amongst small business owners who have realised that perfecting a brand’s aesthetic is integral, as it becomes the framework for everything from products right down to customer experience.

Bhavani Lee, Art Director at Vista Australia, shares her key tips for small business owners to keep in mind when it comes to design.

Have consistent branding

One of the best ways to build your brand and make your business look professional is to present cohesive branding across all customer touchpoints – whether that’s in-store or online. The logo, fonts, colours, and images that appear on your business cards and flyers should be consistent with what people will see on your website, your social media, and physically in store.

Choosing your brand personality

Each brand has its own unique personality; Is your brand modern or traditional? Casual or sophisticated? If you own a sweet shop, you may choose to have a playful brand personality. A legal consulting firm may need to be more formal. Keeping your target audience in mind is key – things like age, gender, wealth, shopping habits, general attitudes, why they buy your products. Once you’ve collected this information you can begin to match the colour palette, font, tone of voice – all aligning with your ideal demographic.

Curated social media feed

Nowadays, small businesses are often discovered by potential customers via social media. While it’s vital to have a solid online presence that includes a website and local search listings, it’s also important to put effort into curating your social media feed. Focusing on your product imagery can give your feed a clean, professional look and attract potential customers.  You don’t have to be a professional – or even hire one – to take appealing images of your items. Choose a simple one-colour background, stick to your brand’s colour palette, use natural light instead of camera flash and explore some low-cost editing options. You’d be surprised how much you can do with just your smartphone. Remember to also post consistently and mix up your content – using pre-designed templates is a great way to communicate with your customers, whilst maintaining your feed’s aesthetic.

Find design tools that work for your business

Business owners often wear numerous hats in an effort to run their businesses smoothly. So why not take one off and outsource? There are so many options in the design space and it is important to find the service that suits you best. You can find a local graphic designer or use various services on offer such as VistaCreate, a DIY design service that creates professional yet unique branded content. You don’t have to be a whiz at design, you just need to choose the right tool.

Also read Small Business Answers guide to how to get graphic design done.

Poly Studio Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows are simple to buy and deploy right out of the box. With an optimised room view and speaker tracking and framing technology, Poly Studio Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows deliver an equitable and dynamic meeting experience for everyone. Poly’s Microsoft Teams Rooms solutions on Windows can be paired with new Dell or Lenovo conferencing PCs.

“Meetings are happening everywhere – from conference rooms to personal workspaces and everything in between. People crave equitable and consistent video meeting experiences no matter where they are,” said Andy Hurt, MD, Poly ANZ. “Poly DirectorAI technology intelligently frames in-conference room meeting participants so anyone not in the room can easily track the conversation.”

“Today’s workplace needs have changed. Microsoft Teams Rooms introduces inclusive collaboration experiences through concepts like the front row,” says Albert Kooiman, Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification. “The new line-up of Poly Room Solutions for Teams Rooms brings users to the forefront of the future of meetings with optimised room views, plus speaker tracking and framing for a more equitable and dynamic meeting experience.”

Often, conference room participants appear small and difficult to hear, or the person close to the camera looks fine. At the same time, the person sitting at the far end of the table seems too small. This means other meeting participants finding the experience to be inequitable, uninviting, or disengaging. Poly’s DirectorAI technology overcomes this disparity and delivers a high-performing meeting experience in any size space.

Poly Studio Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms come in a variety of configurations and can comfortably equip any meeting room size to deliver an equitable experience for all:

•   Includes Poly Studio P15 and Poly Room PC for Microsoft Teams Room with Dell, or Lenovo
•  Includes Poly Studio USB and Poly Room PC for Microsoft Teams Room with Dell, or Lenovo
• Includes Poly Studio E70, Poly Room PC for Microsoft Teams Room with Dell or Lenovo

Poly has worked alongside Microsoft for over 15 years. It has the broadest portfolio of Teams certified devices available – from its headsets and speakerphone devices to its video conferencing gear.

For more information on Poly’s Solutions for Microsoft Teams, please visit: https://www.poly.com/au/en/solutions/platform/microsoft

For more information on local pricing and availability, please contact certified Poly partners and resellers in Australia.

For more information on Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows, please visit: https://www.poly.com/au/en/solutions/platform/microsoft/video/teams-rooms-windows

A new kitchen and food incubator initiative, the Food Incubator + Network Centre (FoodINC), aims to serve as a launchpad for Melbourne food business startups and entrepreneurs to boost the recovery and help hospitality industry.

Following the detrimental impacts of COVID-19, the organisations behind the initiative – Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne Innovation Centre and Melbourne’s North Food Group, with support from the City of Whittlesea – hope FoodINC will help those dreaming of joining Melbourne’s food scene to get their foot in the door. 

Located on Melbourne Polytechnic’s Preston and Epping campuses, the incubators are currently being refurbished to be fit-for-purpose. The launch of the Preston incubator is expected in early 2022, with Epping’s to follow shortly after. 

FoodINC offers users access to the highest food-safety grade commercial kitchen spaces to take their food ventures to the next level. From recipe experimentation to batch food production, the incubators aim to break down the barriers preventing small business owners from accessing premium facilities to expand their skill sets. 

The initiative provides pivotal opportunities for those looking to pilot or grow their food businesses. By receiving the support and guidance they need, small business owners can begin to take steps towards expansion. 

Melbourne Polytechnic will monitor the needs of FoodINC users and offer training opportunities as required across compliance, food safety and occupational health and safety. These specialist short courses and vocational learning will be led by the institute’s industry-expert educators. Melbourne Innovation Centre will also deliver small business and entrepreneurship professional development around strategy, digital solutions and business growth.

Coupled with the training on offer, commercial kitchen access will provide a pathway for new and existing hospitality workers to transition into launching their businesses. All Melburnians, including current and future Melbourne Polytechnic students, will have the opportunity to access FoodINC.

Kerryn Lester-Smith, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Melbourne Polytechnic, explains how the institute is supporting newfound passions coming out of the pandemic:

“We’re seeing a new wave of entrepreneurs as a result of COVID-19, with many Melburnians having that extra time to harbour an idea or consider making a career change.

“After a time of uncertainty, Melburnians are considering their true passions. Now more than ever is the time to invest in brighter career aspirations.

“The FoodINC initiative is tailored to support business owners at multiple stages in their journey to starting or growing a successful business,” comments Kerryn. 

“From those looking to explore an idea but unsure where to begin to people operating small businesses from home and looking to upscale, FoodINC nurtures many facets of small business recovery.

“For many, the option to invest in costly kitchen appliances and hospitality equipment is out of the question, but we don’t want that to stop budding entrepreneurs in their tracks. Access to commercial kitchens on our campuses will help provide the tools businesses need to flourish without breaking budgets,” Kerryn says. 

Lou Zarro, Manager of the Kitchen & Food Incubator from Melbourne Innovation Centre, reiterates the importance of the FoodINC initiative in light of the changing hospitality landscape:

“As the Melbourne hospitality and food manufacturing sectors come to terms with the disruption of COVID-19 – from staffing issues to the rise of food delivery services and the changing tastes of the community – the ability to readjust to industry trends is crucial.

“The collective strength of Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne Innovation Centre and Melbourne’s North Food Group will help ensure that aspiring and early phase food startups can access a wealth of training, professional development and industry expertise to fuel their business success,” Lou concludes. 

For more information on the FoodINC initiative and to register interest, visit

Also read Small Business Answers guide to Grants.

CO-FOUNDER of the Behaviour Report, Dan Gregory, has said that face-to-face meetings, company events, and conferences will be critical for business recovery as parts of the country begin to exit prolonged lockdowns.

The human behaviour specialist was a keynote speaker at Australia’s premier corporate industry event, Illuminate 2021, hosted by the Flight Centre Travel Group, and enlightened attendees with what drives beliefs, behaviours and belonging.

“Every generation has a formative experience, whether that be the Second World War or the Cold War, and right now, this global COVID-19 pandemic is ours,” Mr Gregory said.

“What we’ve seen over the past 18 months is a real culture disconnection with teams being split up and the splintering of workforces as most professional activities moved online – even children have suffered from the move to online learning and a real lack of social interaction.

“Businesses and employees are now at a crossroads when it comes to travel, but what I can tell you is people have been desperate for some sense of normality, and there’s a real desire for some form of human interaction and face-to-face meetings again.”

Mr Gregory said COVID-19 safety protocols and responsible travel were the keys to flights returning for businesses and giving employees the confidence to get back on an aircraft again.

“Face-to-face meetings are critical to business recovery because you need to be exposed to real people and their quirks – we don’t get the non-verbal cues via Zoom or Teams and you don’t get to hear the real timber in someone’s voice,” he said.

“Let’s be honest, multi-million-dollar deals aren’t going to be done virtually, people want to be comfortable with knowing who they are getting into business with before signing a contract. That’s where the casual chit-chat aside from official meetings remain crucial.

“Having said that, lockdowns have been long, and people will want to feel safe. That’s where COVID- safe communication and COVID safety protocols come in – they should be front and centre of any business’s plan to return to travel and that will remain the case for some time.

“Humans are resilient and history shows that we’re good at overcoming world-altering events and challenges put before us. If businesses and employees can work together then it won’t be too long before deals are done over handshakes, rather than Zoom, once again.”

FCM General Manager Melissa Elf said the green shoots for a return to business travel were growing by the day and predicted a big year in 2022 for corporate travel.

“I’m lucky enough to be on the phone to our current customers and prospects on a daily basis and the appetite to travel both domestically and internationally for business is clear to see,” Ms Elf said.

“Ensuring our customers and their clients have all the vital information available to them throughout the booking process is something we take genuine pride in and we look forward to providing various responsible travel options to businesses as borders across the country begin to reopen.” Corporate Traveller General Manager Tom Walley said it was an exciting time for SMEs with Sydney and Melbourne emerging from lockdown.

“We’ve seen from the queues outside Kmart in Sydney recently that people can’t wait to get out and about and we believe it will be no different for SMEs and travel,” Mr Walley said.

“Having a Travel Management Company by your side has never been more critical because it’s our job to provide you with the support you need and to undertake the heavy lifting so you can concentrate on getting your business going and growing again.”

Dan Gregory was part of a first-class speaker line-up at Illuminate 2021 on 21 October that also had keynote speeches from Flight Centre CEO Graham “Skroo” Turner, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Virgin Australia CEO and Managing Director Jayne Hrdlicka, and Westpac Chief Economist Bill Evans.

It’s fair to say that D-Link is one of the leading forces ushering in a new digital home transformation with its slew of Wi-Fi 6 devices, including today’s launch of the DWA-X1850, the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) Adapter and a new Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router – the EXO AX AX3200 DIR-X3260.

The new DWA-X1850 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 USB 3.0 adapter and the DIR-X3260 AX3200 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router are engineered to power the increasing number of high-bandwidth devices and support high-intensity data traffic for remote workers, students and families.
 
D-Link A/NZ MD Graeme Reardon said, “We live in a world where more is now the norm for home and business networks. More devices, more bandwidth, more speed and more range. These new Wi-Fi 6 devices enable streamlined and seamless mesh connectivity with efficient AX performance that, put simply, give you more.”
 
The DWA-X1850 is a slim and compact wireless Adapter that plugs into any USB port and provides instant connectivity to your laptop or PC.

Delivering a simple, affordable upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 performance for existing desktop and notebook computers, the DWA-X1850 is the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 USB 3.0 Adapter in the market. It features the latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 technology. It delivers smooth, reliable combined speeds up to AX1800 (574Mbps + 1200Mbps), ideal for large file transfers, online learning lessons, and gaming. The adapter also features 128-bit WPA3 encryption giving customers added peace of mind over network and device protection. 

This clever adapter also has other smarts with its Multi-User or MU-MIMO technology for better efficiency of upstream and downstream transmission and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology (where small data packets are destined for multiple devices are transmitted together and never have to queue up again). Combined, these advancements ensure that numerous devices receive high-bandwidth Wi-Fi at the same time to distribute data more efficiently over a wider area and provide you with faster Wi-Fi 6 speeds.

With software already preloaded on the adapter, installation is simple, and your older, slower devices can immediately enjoy the speed and range benefits that Wi-Fi 6 provides. The slim and compact design means the dongle can also easily be carried around when out and about.

The DIR-X3260 EXO AX AX3200 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router is D-Link’s newest Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router. Providing stellar performance (2400Mbps on the 5GHz and 800Mbps on the 2.4GHz) essential for applications such as high-quality video conferencing, VR, 8K video streaming and more, the AX3200 Router’s durable 1024-QAM boosts throughput to devices by up to 25%. Its 160MHz contiguous channel width gives even more bandwidth to support a greater number of devices.

D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh technology provides simple syncing with compatible D-Link Mesh Extenders. As a result, users can roam seamlessly around their homes on a mobile device without fearing signal degradation or a dropped connection. The new model also showcases an attractive design in addition to greater client support and enhanced performance benefits.

The D-Link DIR-X3260 EXO AX AX3200 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router

So, it’s fast. Very fast. However, suppose you still want more and should you require them. In that case, it also has 4 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port, which give you faster-wired connectivity whenever you wish.

If you’re a techie, then you’ll appreciate the high-gain antennas, built-in power amplifiers and beamforming technology that allow the DIR-X3260 to extend the reach of your Wi-Fi and focus a stronger signal in the direction of your devices to ensure a stronger, faster and more reliable Wi-Fi experience. Meanwhile, a long OFDM symbol provides an even greater Wi-Fi range, maximising coverage throughout the home. The DIR-X3260 works with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you literally don’t have to lift a finger.

As always with D-Link Routers, it’s simple and easy to set up via the downloadable free D-Link Wi-Fi app.

DWA-X1850 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter Key Features

• Next-generation Wi-Fi 6 USB dongle for an instant PC or Laptop upgrade
• AX1800 Speeds up to 1200Mbps (5GHz) and 600Mbps (2.4GHz)
• OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies ensure a fast and efficient Wi-Fi connection
• The latest WPA3™ Wi-Fi security helps protect your network
• Auto installation driver for Windows 10
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 dongle delivers maximum performance and reliability

DIR-X3260 EXO AX AX3200 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router Key Features
• Wi-Fi 6 technology provides faster speeds, greater capacity and less network congestion

• Next-gen speeds up to AX3200 (2400Mbps on the 5GHz and 800Mbps on the 2.4GHz)

• Dual-band Wi-Fi with up to 6 simultaneous streams makes 4K streaming a breeze

• Create a seamless D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh network by adding DAP-X1860 Wi-Fi Extenders

• 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and 1 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port provide optional wired connectivity

• Built-in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports to create shared storage

• Intelligent Quality of Service prioritises network traffic to minimise the impact of busy bandwidth

• Backwards compatibility ensures support for previous Wi-Fi standards and all Wi-Fi devices

• Supports WPA3™ — the latest Wi-Fi security for more protection

• Voice Control for an even easier home Wi-Fi networking experience

• Works with the D-Link Wi-Fi App for easy setup and enhanced parental controls

The DWA-X1850 and the DIR-X3260 are available now from www.dlink.com.au (RRP $149.95 and $349.95) from authorised D-Link partners and retailers.

Also read Small business Answers Guide to improving your Wi-Fi network.

New survey results from Shopify show almost double the number of shoppers plan to shop online in some capacity (90%) when compared to those planning on shopping in-store in some capacity (54%)

The survey demonstrates the ways Australians are evolving their shopping habits and preferences in line with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading up to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) sales in late November, almost double the amount of Australian shoppers plan to shop online in some capacity (90%) when compared to those planning on shopping in-store in some capacity (54%). Increased online shopping is the main way that COVID-19 will impact BFCM purchases (mentioned by 60% of BFCM shoppers).

Australian shoppers plan to spend on average $769 (down from $908 in 2020) over the BFCM long weekend.

Macro disruptions to the retail industry, resulting in supply chain disruptions and shipping delays, have also contributed to Australian shoppers’ habits this year. Click and collect was reported as more popular among younger and middle-aged online BFCM shoppers, with 50% of 18-34 and 31% of 35-54 online BFCM shoppers planning to use curbside pickup during BFCM, compared to just 17% of those aged 55 and over.

In spite of the well-reported burdens on delivery services worldwide, Australian shoppers maintain high expectations of shipping, with a clear majority (69%) of online BFCM shoppers expecting their purchases will be shipped for free. 72% expect the retailer to cover the cost of shipping of any return items.

Shaun Broughton, Managing Director of Shopify APAC said: “Consumers are prepared to make adjustments in how they shop to accommodate COVID-19, but will not make concessions in certain areas, such as shipping or delivery options. The agility of the Australian shopper has been tested, and they expect rewards for their propensity to adapt.

“As merchants have evolved and reimaged retail in creative new ways throughout the challenges posed by 2021, shoppers too have adjusted their habits, preferences, and expectations in tandem. Shopping online will continue to be the dominant way for bargain-hunters to nab a deal this Black Friday long weekend.

“Whether it’s varied shipping options, better product discoverability, or the ability to buy directly from social media, merchants need to reinforce their technology and operations to avoid losing out in this highly competitive time of year.”

Brougton also remarked: “The fact Australians are planning on spending slightly less on BFCM sales this year could be because they’ve already shopped online so much this year, and perhaps are taking precautions around returning to physical stores too quickly.”

Local shopping was a big winner when it came to where BFCM shoppers plan on spending. 60% of shoppers plan on purchasing BFCM items from locally-owned stores, followed by department stores (53%) and big-box retail locations (40%). 

“With so many amazing and unique local retailers emerging around the country, keeping Australia’s entrepreneurial economy well and truly thriving, it’s no wonder consumers are keen to throw their support behind local businesses that may have done it tough in 2021,” added Broughton.

Other key findings from the survey include:

• Four in ten (44%) BFCM shoppers plan to spend about the same as last year with a similar number (40%) who plan to spend more.
• Men plan to spend significantly more than women ($900 vs. $651), as are those aged 18-54-years old ($940 among 18-34-year-olds, $743 among 35-54-year-olds, and $462 among those 55+).
• 36% of online BFCM shoppers mentioned wanting to avoid shopping in-store because of COVID-19.
• Younger and middle-aged online BFCM shoppers are generally more likely to purchase an item directly from a social media platform, primarily from Facebook (57% and 44% respectively) or Instagram (58% and 31% respectively).

Read Small Business Answers guide to building an online store.

Pandemic and related restrictions have worsened the ‘cashflow crunch’ for small businesses, super-charging demand for Cloudfloat B2B cashflow on-demand platform. Cloudfloat’s platform allows suppliers to get paid on time. Buyers get payment terms to suit their own needs, earn supplier loyalty and avoid reputational risk

COVID-related lockdowns have created unprecedented pressure on small businesses. Many will find usual suppliers and customers have not survived. With the cashflow crunch often extending along the length of the supply chain, many are struggling to get paid, even with a reliable sales pipeline. As restrictions ease and small businesses try to re-open, cashflow is more critical than ever.

Late payments and bad debts create enormous costs for small businesses and stifle growth. Chasing receivables is stressful and diverts owners from running their businesses. Lax processes, unethical business practices or cashflow problems elsewhere on the supply chain often force SMEs into becoming providers of free credit to their clients.

“Cloudfloat is their post-lockdown liquidity lifeline. It can be a significant force in getting Australian business back on its feet,” said founder and CEO Aleem Habibullah.

Cloudfloat’s innovative B2B cashflow management solution provides a digital float allowing businesses to pay their invoices over time by instalments. Businesses can smooth out their cashflow whilst getting the payment terms their business needs for an up-front flat fee per transaction.

Unlike traditional ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) models, buyers pay an upfront fee to receive an interest free period instead of suppliers being forced to absorb a high merchant fee for the payment service.

“Sellers gain smooth, reliable cashflow, reduced admin and stress and more time running their businesses. By paying on time, every time, buyers gain preferred customer status at a time when sellers need support and supply chains are tightening,” said Mr Habibullah.

“Cloudfloat’s inbuilt verification, anti-fraud and regulatory compliance systems provide businesses with the opportunity to reduce counterparty risk and minimise bad debts. This is critical at a time when online fraudsters and cyber-criminals have upped their game and begun seriously targeting small businesses,” he said.

Demand for Cloudfloat’s services in its first year of operation has far outstripped its current capacity to service it. With lockdowns ending and economies opening up, this will accelerate.

To meet this demand, Cloudfloat is accelerating a planned capital raise designed to bolster the balance sheet and secure substantial financing to service client transactions. Cloudfloat has already progressed discussions with potential equity and debt investors, including existing shareholders.

“Our experience shows that our B2B ‘BNPL’ model provides the opportunity for viral client acquisition, is highly scalable and can address a significant gap in the trade financing market. With demand for Cloudfloat’s solution far outstripping our current capacity to service it, the business is poised for aggressive growth”, Mr Habibullah said.

“It’s a very exciting time for Cloudfloat as we prepare for a step-change in scale.”\

Also, read Small Business Answers guide to raising funding.