MYOB asks Australians to love thy neighbour & shop small in November

SYDNEY - Oct. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- In business, loving thy neighbour can mean the difference between being a survivor and a casualty. That’s why this November MYOB is giving back in a big way to the Australian business community that supports it.

In support of ‘Shop Small’, a national movement committed to advocating local small businesses, Australia’s largest accounting software provider is running a campaign (http://www.shopsmall.myob.com.au/) to give away $75,000. On offer is $50,000 in business makeover grants for participating local operators and $25,000 in cash prizes to reward customers who back them.

MYOB is also offering three months’ free access to MYOB Live (http://myob.com.au/products/small-business/online-accounting-1257830084710) products to non-clients who get involved with the initiative in November.

The Shop Small (http://shopsmallaustralia.com/) movement was created four years ago by American Express as a one-day event in the US, and has been successful there, in Canada and in the UK, before now coming to Australia. MYOB has partnered with American Express and other sponsors to promote the initiative, which runs locally during the month of November.

CEO Tim Reed is excited about championing small business through Shop Small, saying, “MYOB is a passionate advocate for people who have the courage to get up and have a go at being their own boss. It takes a lot of guts, hard work and sacrifice. We understand a little support can make a big difference, so we encourage all Australians to support local businesses.

“Small businesses make a major contribution to local investment, workforce development and economic growth, and many fund the livelihoods of other local people. They provide close to half of industry employment - around five million people - and contribute around one-third of our GDP. Yet they often don’t receive the attention they deserve. That’s why we’ve joined forces with the Shop Small movement to help make their business life easier.

“In Australia, we’re ranked in the top 10 of 183 economies in the world for starting a new business, getting credit and ease of doing business. But we’re also ranked in 12^th position when it comes to business closes.

“We can slow the shutting of doors through encouragement and patronage. That’s why MYOB hopes to inspire millions of Australians to support our local operators and make November the biggest small business shopping month of the year. Let’s celebrate and encourage the success of these unsung heroes.”

The company is running these offers throughout November to assist the cause:

1.    A ‘Big Heroes Shop Small’ campaign, offering five business makeover grants worth $10,000 each

2.    100 prizes of $250 cash to the customers of small businesses participating in the “Shop Small” month

The first competition asks eligible business owners to tell MYOB how a makeover will help them love their work, and take a ‘Business Selfie’ (a photo that encapsulates their business) to share via social media. A winner will be announced each week during November, with the fifth prize awarded to the most popular entry.

The second competition asks customers to simply fill out an entry form upon completing a transaction worth $10 or more at a participating business. 25 winners will be drawn weekly during November.

MYOB’s Shop Small (#ShopSmallAU (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ShopSmallAU&src=typd)) support isn’t limited to bricks and mortar, it extends to online business.

“Shop Small strongly encourages you to visit your community shops, and we want it to also be about seeking out local businesses online,” says Mr Reed. “Figures show Australians spent more than $7 million on internet shopping at overseas stores in 2012-2013 – a significant investment that could have really benefitted local business.”

For further information on MYOB’s Shop Small initiatives, visit: http://www.shopsmall.myob.com.au.

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For further comment or other information please contact:

Kristy Sheppard, MYOB Public Relations & Corporate Affairs Manager

P: 02 9089 9068 / M: 0407 450 860 / E: kristy.sheppard@myob.com

Symon Madry, Haystac Public Affairs Account Director

P: 02 8094 7779 / M: 0409 919 508 / E: myob@haystac.com.au

About MYOB Australia

Established in 1991, MYOB (http://myob.com.au/) is Australia’s largest business management solutions provider. It makes life easier for over 1.2 million businesses across Australia and New Zealand, and provides support via many client service channels including a network of over 20,000 accounting firms, bookkeepers and other consultants. MYOB’s solutions simplify accounting, payroll, tax, practice management, CRM, websites, job costing, inventory and more, for businesses of all shapes and sizes. It is committed to ongoing innovation, particularly in cloud computing solutions, and now spends more than AU$30 million annually on research and development. In 2013, MYOB expanded its offerings with the acquisition of accounting solutions provider BankLink.

About Shop Small

Shop Small is a nationwide movement that will bring together support from the business community, governments and consumers to support small businesses. Shop Small begins on 1 November 2013 and runs for the entire month. Consumers and businesses should visit www.shopsmallaustralia.com for more information on the program and its benefits. Shop Small was founded by American Express and is presented by Energy Australia, MYOB, NAB and Virgin Australia. #ShopSmallAU