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As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been a huge year for Melbourne Innovation Centre. It’s been a year full of impact, celebration, and making moves to support small businesses across Victoria.

We spoke with Chloe Burger, founder of The Lady Physio & Pilates, empowering women through expert pelvic care and pilates. With support from the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre, Chloe is refining her digital marketing to help more women thrive.

We spoke with Matthew Baloglow, founder of Journalfy, a travel journaling app that blends physical and digital experiences. With support from the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre, he’s enhancing his digital strategy to reach more adventurers worldwide.

We spoke with Valeria Chan, founder of Aura Digital, a boutique marketing agency empowering small businesses to grow online. With support from the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre, she’s refining her expertise to expand her impact and deliver even better results.

We spoke with Ruhee Meghani, founder of Allied Collective, Australia’s first inclusive facilitation agency. Ruhee empowers workplaces to prioritise equity and wellbeing. With support from the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre, she’s enhancing her digital strategy to scale her impact.

Meet Tanay Nagar, a driven entrepreneur and boxing enthusiast, who has recently embarked on a mission to connect like-minded individuals through his innovative online platform, Collabez. His platform aims to foster connections and collaboration across various industries.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, AI can revolutionise marketing for SMEs and startups. AI tools enhance efficiency, targeting, and impact. Discover how AI can boost your marketing and how the Digital Solutions Program can help you leverage this technology on a budget.

Running a business can be overwhelming with tasks like managing customer relationships and handling inventory. Good news: automation tools can streamline processes, save time, and boost efficiency. Explore the top tools.

Wondering how to attract repeat clients? Start by focusing on delivering exceptional value and memorable experiences. Understand client needs, ensure consistent quality, personalise interactions, offer incentives, and provide excellent service.

Julie, a Melbourne small business owner, turned to the Melbourne Innovation Centre for help with client attraction and business clarity. With advisor Lawrence's support, she improved her marketing, doubled her client base, and boosted revenue.

At our recent Suburban Spark event, Monique Montfroy presented her eco-luxe brand, Texcoco Collective, focused on sustainable design. She valued the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and made key collaborations.

We spoke with Daniel Virgona, founder of Vive Think Drinks, a beverage designed to enhance wellbeing. With support from the Digital Solutions Program, he’s refining his digital strategy to boost brand awareness and drive sales.

We chatted with Caro Felton, founder of Precycle Pantry, Melbourne’s first zero-waste grocery shop on wheels. With guidance from the Digital Solutions Program, Caro is enhancing her digital strategy to reach more eco-conscious consumers.

We spoke with Samantha Jeffrey from Built for Advanture, a company that crafts high-end campervans. With support from the Digital Solutions Program, she’s refining their digital strategy and learning to enhance their online presence, vital for their evolving business.

We chatted with Hayden Cassar from AxipApp, a platform that makes app development affordable for small businesses. With support from the Digital Solutions Program, he refined his pricing and marketing strategies, gaining valuable insights and connections to enhance his growing business.

We spoke with Nicole McDonald from Custodians of Our Planet (C.O.O.P), who creates sustainable, luxe bags from recycled materials. With support from the Digital Solutions Program, she refined her digital strategy and connecting with eco-conscious consumers effectively.

We spoke with Jay Hill and David Ryan of Farmhouse Seeds, who shifted their business online during COVID-19. With support from the Digital Solutions Program, they enhanced their digital marketing, built customer relationships, and gained confidence in social media strategies.

We sat down with Alina Adams, founder of Table Threads, an online business specialising in beautiful, affordable table linens. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alina sought guidance from the Digital Solutions Program at the Melbourne Innovation Centre to boost her digital marketing skills.

We sat down with Anna from Francie, a Melbourne-based luxury knitwear brand. Anna pivoted to focus on her online store with guidance from the Digital Solutions Program. With targeted social media marketing and tailored strategies, Francie has thrived, expanding its reach while staying true to ethical production.

We sat down with Fiona from Wax Seals and Modern Calligraphy, an online business specialising in custom wax seal stamps and calligraphy services. Thanks to the Digital Solutions Program, she expanded her customer reach by implementing effective online marketing strategies.

We sat down with Jo from The Eastern Kung Fu Academy, a family-run school in Boronia that focuses on student development. After joining the Digital Solutions Program, Jo and Peter enhanced their digital marketing skills, optimised their Google presence, and significantly improved their online engagement.

We sat down with Stefanie, owner of House of Handmade, a charming store in Richmond offering unique handmade gifts. After joining the Digital Solutions Program, she gained essential skills in SEO and social media strategy, empowering her to enhance her online presence and grow her business.

We sat down with Jennifer, a Melbourne-based minimalist artist who transitioned from traditional to digital art during the pandemic. The Digital Solutions Program provided her with guidance in developing a digital strategy, enhancing her online visibility, and managing her diverse offerings. Now, she’s poised to reach new audiences effectively.

We sat down with Zara, founder of SoundCheck Studios, which began in her Mum's barn in 2016. The Digital Solutions Program helped her develop a strategic marketing plan and enhance her online presence. Now, with a team of over 20, SoundCheck inspires students globally while fostering a supportive community.

We sat down with Fiona, founder of moss & pear, an online Zero Waste Products Store. The Digital Solutions Program empowered her with essential business skills, transforming her fear into confidence. Now, she successfully champions sustainable living, creating eco-friendly products while supporting local Australian businesses.

We sat down with Melissa from The Runners Hub, a running group offering coaching and health services. After adapting to online sessions during COVID-19, they expanded their digital presence. Melissa joined the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre, gaining valuable insights to refine their strategy and grow their business.

We sat down with Holly Hudson, a mother and grandmother who runs a Mustang wedding car business. After launching Holly Faye Counselling to support brides, she joined the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre to enhance her social media and website skills, gaining valuable resources for her new venture.

We sat down with Marie Alafaci, a writer and marketing copywriter focused on helping others improve their writing. Marie joined the Digital Solutions Program to learn how to leverage social media effectively and boost her overall online presence.

We sat down with Sherol Singh from Keep Active Australia, who shared her journey from sports enthusiast to entrepreneur, creating a platform that connects people through fitness activities. With support from Melbourne Innovation Centre, Sherol improved her online presence and SEO.

We sat down with Bianca Heard from WonderSpark Parties, who shared their journey from aspiring children's entertainer to entrepreneur. Bianca emphasised the pivotal role of the Melbourne Innovation Centre’s Digital Solutions Program in enhancing their digital marketing strategy and expanding their business's reach.

We sat down with Rose Inglis from Rose Tinted Law, where she shared her journey from legal professional to entrepreneur, founding a platform dedicated to empowering lawyers through career development. Rose received support from the Melbourne Innovation Centre to help improve her digital marketing strategy and expanding her platform's reach.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Kobie from Troopy Gear to delve deeper into their engagement with the Melbourne Innovation Centre and the Digital Solutions Program. Kobie shared her inspiring journey and insights into how Troopy Gear has benefited from the support provided by Melbourne Innovation Centre.

We sat down with Jacinta from The Laminated Cotton Shop, where she discussed her transition from hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur driven by a passion for eco-friendly homewares. Her engagement with the Melbourne Innovation Centre's Digital Solutions Program has significantly bolstered her brand's online presence and sustainability efforts.

We sat down with Mark Fulcher from Beacon Consult, who shifted from a 25-year corporate career to founding his consulting firm specialising in guiding small to medium-sized organisations through strategic transformations. He emphasised the Digital Solutions Program at Melbourne Innovation Centre's role in enhancing Beacon Consult's digital marketing strategy and capabilities.