A new Aussie-grown online marketplace dedicated to all things Australian made and owned, is the latest example of creativity breeding hope in a world gripped by a pandemic.
As Australian's continue to navigate the peaks and troughs of an uncertain future, there's a new opportunity for small business owners to promote their products through an online destination for Australians to shop Australian. It's called Buy Aussie Now.
The brainchild of Aussie business owner Mitch Catlin, Buy Aussie Now is a first-of-its kind online marketplace specifically dedicated to Australian made goods by Australian owned businesses.
The idea started as an Instagram page in March as a way to support Australian businesses as the nation prepared to shutdown due to the coronavirus.
Four months on and that Instagram page's popularity has helped fund a new online one-stop-shop that Aussies can trust to buy Australian products.
"My business, like many other Aussies, was hit badly in late March when the marketing sector pretty much came to a standstill." Mr Catlin said.
"I turned to creating a community of other businesses who were stressed and anxious and I was just so overwhelmed with the number of Aussies who needed help and mateship during a tough time."
Registration is free and is now open to small and medium sized Australian businesses wishing to be listed in preparation for an official launch of the platform in August.
More than two thousand Aussie businesses have already registered to be part of buyaussienow.com.au across eight initial categories including: home and living, toys and education, apparel and footwear, jewellery and accessories, food and beverage, pets, skincare and beauty, and gifts, while additional categories will be unveiled in coming months, Mr Catlin said.
As founder and managing director, Mr Catlin said he was thrilled to be bring this Australian-first concept to market.
"I think the thing that surprised me most over the past few months is just how much wonderful product is made at home, but many of us simply don't know about it," Mr Caitlin said.
Chief Executive Officer Chris White said he hoped the launch of Buy Aussie Now saw a long-term switch for Aussies to shop Australian-made first.
"Let's always make Aussies brands, business and products our first thought every time we shop and not just during difficult periods," Mr White said.
"This will support the nation, families, friends and local communities and keep jobs and investment here."
Australian businesses can register for free, and are only charged when a sale is made.
However, all non-for-profits in Australia, along with any indigenous owned businesses, will not be charged.
Registration is now open and a 'live date' for the Buy Aussie Now marketplace will be announced in coming weeks.
Businesses can register at www.buyaussienow.com.au and follow on Instagram @buyaussienow
Aussies supporting Aussies
Buy from the Bush: Another initiative helping small Australian businesses
Similarly, with small business at the heart of it's driving force, the Buy From the Bush initiative was also a venture of creativity born from tribulation when a drought-stricken rural Australia needed help from it's fellow Aussies.
More recently the campaign has been encouraging more Aussie's to get out and explore this great southern land. Encouraging followers of their Instagram page to "...go bush. Stay in the bush. Buy from the bush. And bring back some treasure made in the bush," in hopes of helping regional Australia rebuild after drought, fire and now pandemic.
But as uncertainty with the current pandemic situation continues to see borders close or stay closed, shoppers can still continue to support their favourite bush businesses online at www.buyfromthebush.com.au.
Businesses can register at www.buyfromthebush.com.au and follow on Instagram @buyfromthebush
