Business Success Group was joined by Senator the Hon Nick Sherry on Thursday in Brisbane for the launch of E-Nable, a free training program for Queensland small businesses.

50 local small businesses were present on Thursday at the Brisbane Marriott Hotel to launch Business Success Group’s free online training initiative, which will teach small businesses how to increase their online presence for the lowest cost.

The launch of the program, which is funded by the Federal Government under the Small Business Online initiative, was attended by the Minister for Small Business, Nick Sherry, who stated the importance of the correct online strategy in the modern business world.

“Some small operators aren’t fully aware of how having an e-Business capacity will better their business,” Senator Sherry said.

A Sensis e-Business report in August 2009 found that only 57 per cent of small businesses had an online presence.

“E-Nable throws down the gauntlet to Queensland small businesses to conquer any fears they may have and get online,” he said.

E-Nable will assist 400 small businesses in Queensland, with training to be conducted online, in workshops of up to 10 people at Brisbane, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Cairns, as well as one-on-one sessions.

The program covers three key areas: maximising a company’s online presence by developing the right type of website; how to make money off the website and integrating it into a business model, and getting the most out of e-marketing.

Business Success Group Director Steve Dewsbery said that small businesses are missing out on a larger share of the market, with many still not having websites, and others that do are not fulfilling their potential.

“For many small businesses an online presence is now as important as a physical shopfront, because consumers are now savvy enough to research products before buying,” Mr Dewsbery said.

He asks business owners to consider whether they would personally buy a product off of a website that lacks credibility, because that is the decision their own costumers face.

“The first place many consumers go to research is online – and if your website isn’t at the top of search listings, or targeted towards the right target market once they do click your link, you’re missing out on huge sales opportunities,” he said.

Registrations for the E-Nable program are now open to all Queensland small businesses with an ABN and fewer than 20 employees, and interested small business owners can call 07 3666 5900, or visit www.bsgroup.com.au/smallbusinessonline.aspx for more information and to register.

Business Success Group is a Recognised Training Organisation, and has forged a strong relationship with federal governments – delivering Federal Government initiatives for 17 consecutive years.