Facebook pushes Kiwi SMB success

Facebook has introduced the Small Business Accelerator Program, designed to help Kiwi small businesses fast-track their path to success on the social networking site.

Introducing the program to the ANZ region, the social media giant is offering small businesses the chance to take part in a two-day workshop where Facebook and partners will provide tailored guidance to help enterprises succeed on Facebook.

The program also offers businesses three months of support from the Facebook team, as well as ads credits so they can put into action what they learn at the workshop.

“Over 12 million Australians actively use Facebook to connect with all the people that matter to them, every day, everywhere," says Nick Bowditch, manager of Small Business, Facebook ANZ.

"When businesses have a strong presence on Facebook they have an opportunity to be part of these conversations.

"Many small businesses are doing great things on Facebook and we are committed in helping them continue to unlock the opportunities open to them.

"Globally, there are 16 million small businesses actively using Facebook Pages to build relationships with customers, reach new people and drive sales."

According to Bowditch, 12 businesses will be selected to take part in the program after being assessed by a panel of judges who will award places to businesses, with judging will take place on August 16.

"The program allows us to work with 12 innovative businesses and support them by fast-tracking their path to success on Facebook," he says.

"We look forward to receiving submissions from businesses of all different types from across Australia and New Zealand, and working with the 12 selected businesses to help them maximise their efforts on Facebook.

"The program is open to all small businesses located in Australia and New Zealand with a Facebook Page.

"Businesses that will stand out are those that know enough about social media to know that they should have a presence and are looking to take their "social media savvy" to the next level.”

For the chance to take part in the program, businesses are invited to submit their application here: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizaccelerator

Calls for entries starts today, going from July 15 until August 12.