Green Shoots sprout: Optus opens grants program to support bushfire affected small businesses get back on their feet

Optus has opened applications for its Green Shoots grants program in an effort to help restore connectivity for small businesses affected by recent bushfires across Australia.

Optus Chief Executive Allen Lew said the grants program supports small businesses with a boost so they can rebuild and commence planning for their future.

“Optus recognises the immense scale of the recent bushfires and the many hurdles for the communities affected by the disaster.”

“With the Green Shoots grants we are committed to working alongside small businesses hardest hit and helping them on the road to recovery.”

“Regional Australia boasts unique opportunities for businesses, and it is critical that these are harnessed to drive the success of our national economy.”

Mr Lew said throughout the bushfires Optus had worked tirelessly to maintain and restore services, working collaboratively with local governments and agencies, and supplementing services with satellite and mobile small cells where sites were damaged by fires.

The Green Shoots program will be available during 2020 for businesses in Optus serviceable areas and will comprise up to 2,000 grants including:

• $100 per month recurring credit for 24 months on an Optus Small Business account
• A tablet or equivalent (memory/colour/size specifications at Optus’ discretion)
• Optus to extend its staff volunteer programme to enable its staff to support small businesses affected by the bushfires to get back on their feet

Details regarding eligibility, selection criteria as well as how to apply for the grant can be found at www.optus.com.au/bushfiresupport.

CEO Designate Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said Optus is committed to bolstering a much-needed sense of hope in affected parts of Australia by supporting small businesses.

“We understand that rebuilding communities will be a long and daunting process, which is why we are acting now to do what we can to support these small businesses in getting back online and reconnecting with their communities.”

“We encourage small businesses affected by the bushfires to apply for the program so together we can ensure these businesses thrive again and safeguard local jobs.”

Optus is asking small businesses affected by the bushfires to contact Optus via www.optus.com.au/bushfiresupport.

The grants program is now open for applications and closes on 31 March 2020 (unless otherwise extended).

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Media contacts:
Kaylah Bulow/Steve Batten
P: (02) 8082 7850
E: media@optus.com.au