Live in and around Tweed? Grow your small or micro-business with the Australian Government’s
 Digital Solutions Program.

Get practical help across the digital areas that matter most in business, including 5 hours of private mentoring for a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee, plus free live workshops, on-demand tutorials and webinars.

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How We Support Small and Micro-Businesses.

Not sure where to start with digital marketing, building your website, improving your online presence or making sense of tools like AI? The Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program delivered by the Australian School of Employment gives small and micro-business owners practical support to build digital skills and take action with confidence. Through the program, you can access:

  • 💡 Private Mentoring

    Access one-on-one practical support tailored to your business and personal goals. Once approved, pay the $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee to receive 5 hours of private mentoring.

    Apply

  • 🎓 Live Workshops

    Interactive group sessions designed for small business owners wanting to build practical digital skills. These (free) workshops offer real strategies and actionable ideas you can apply in your business.

    Register

  • 👩🏻‍💻 Webinars

    Flexible online sessions that make it easier to learn from anywhere. These (free) webinars share practical insights, expert advice, useful strategies and current digital trends to help you take action in your business.

    Register

  • 🎬 Learning Hub

    Self-paced learning resources designed to help you build knowledge over time. These (free) tutorials let you revisit key topics, strengthen your confidence and apply what you learn in your business.

    Explore

ASE’s Impact.

 
 

301,022

individuals have participated in our face-to-face and online education programs.

$20,412,109.20

of income, revenue and additional funding has been generated by our alumni.

How the Mentoring Works.

Getting started is simple. Submit your application, our team will confirm your eligibility and, if approved, you can access 5 hours of private mentoring and digital business support valued at $1,995 per business with a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee.

  • 📝 Step 1. Submit the Application Form

    Submit a short application so our team can review your business, confirm your eligibility and make sure the program is the right fit for your needs. The form is designed to be simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.

  • 💳 Step 2. Access your Mentoring Package

    If approved, pay the $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee to access 5 hours of private mentoring and practical digital support. If you are experiencing financial hardship, this co-contribution may be waived.

  • 🚀 Step 3. Start the Program and Grow

    Choose your mentor, book your private mentoring and access free workshops, webinars and online learning designed to strengthen your digital skills. You can then start using the support available in a way that suits your business goals!

Apply for Private Mentoring

Program Eligibility.

We work with small and micro-businesses across a wide range of industries. To be eligible for the program, your business must be for-profit and meet the following requirements:

1. Be based in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory

2. Have an active ABN

3. Have under 20 full-time equivalent employees

Apply for the Digital Solutions Program.

This form includes everything we need to confirm your eligibility for the program. It is the only application form you need to complete before booking your first mentoring session. If approved, you will be able to access 5 hours of private mentoring and digital business support for a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee. You can also access free live workshops, webinars and flexible online learning.

Digital Skills We Teach.

Build practical digital skills to improve how you operate, market and grow your business. Get support across the key digital areas that matter most to you.

  • 💻 Introduction to Digitalising Your Small Business

    Discover tools that can improve your business, streamline operations and help you make confident decisions about what comes next.

  • 📱Social Media, Digital Marketing and Selling Online

    Strengthen your online presence and use websites, social media and digital marketing to reach new customers.

  • ⚙️ Business Software for Everyday Operations

    Choose the right software to manage sales, accounting, payroll, inventory and customers so you can save time and operate your business more efficiently.

  • 🤖 AI and Emerging Technologies

    Explore practical ways to use AI and emerging technologies for content creation, automation, workflows, customer engagement and business insights.

  • 🔐 Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

    Identify cyber risks, improve your digital safety and understand your responsibilities for protecting customer information, business data and online accounts.

Apply for Private Mentoring

‍ Choose the Right Coach for You.

Explore each coach’s experience, areas of expertise and availability then choose who you work with throughout the program. Continue with the same coach across your sessions or mix and match coaches based on the different skills, topics and support you need.

  • Tim Borlace

    AI, Emerging Technologies & Digital Business Strategy Coach

    Tim helps business owners use AI, automation and digital tools in practical ways that save time, improve systems and support growth. As the Founder of Technomania AI, he works across Large Language Models and AI response quality. His experience across financial services, healthcare, higher education and technology helps him connect emerging technology with real business challenges.

    Tim can help with: ChatGPT and Claude, workflow automation, digital business strategy, smarter systems, business model reviews and reducing tech overwhelm.

  • Katie Boulter

    Digital Marketing, Social Media & Vibe Coding Coach

    Katie helps business owners strengthen their digital presence, improve their marketing and turn ideas into practical digital assets. She founded Rosé Soirée, grew it from a single bricks-and-mortar store into a successful business then sold and exited the company in 2026. Katie brings firsthand experience in launching, marketing and scaling a business.

    Katie can help with: digital marketing, social media, website improvements, customer journeys, AI-generated content, vibe coding, digital prototypes and choosing practical tools for business growth.

  • Steve Macdonald

    Growth, Scaling & Digital Business Strategy Coach

    Steve helps business owners make clearer decisions about growth, pricing, money and strategy. A former Macquarie Bank executive and Co-Founder of Infinitas Asset Management Limited, he has invested in more than 20 startups and small businesses. His finance and commercial experience helps business owners strengthen their model, understand their numbers and identify practical opportunities for sustainable growth.

    Steve can help with: pricing, revenue planning, business models, digital strategy, setting up accounting software and growth planning.

  • Jacqui Moorcroft

    Social Media, Digital Content & Marketing Coach

    Jacqui helps business owners simplify their digital marketing, create stronger content and communicate more clearly with their customers. She brings experience across agency, in-house and small business marketing and now runs her own business, The Mum Conundrum. Her background includes content strategy, social media, campaigns and practical digital systems, with a strong understanding of regional and family-run businesses.

    Jacqui can help with: social media marketing, content strategy, brand positioning, customer messaging and Reels and short-form video.

  • Connor Brokowski

    AI Fundamentals, Graphic Design & Canva Coach

    Connor helps business owners understand AI, improve their visual communication and create practical content using accessible digital tools. He is a strategic facilitator with experience guiding more than 3,500 people across three continents. His background in psychology, communication and design helps him explain complex ideas clearly and support business owners to apply AI and design principles to real tasks.

    Connor can help with: Generative AI, prompt writing, Canva, graphic design, marketing content and presentations.

  • Sarah Jane-Bray

    Sales, LinkedIn & Business Growth Coach

    Sarah-Jane helps business owners build confidence with sales, improve their outreach and turn conversations into real opportunities. With more than 25 years of experience across sales, business operations and new business leadership, she has built teams, grown partnerships and improved revenue and service delivery. Her direct and practical approach helps business owners simplify sales and take consistent action.

    Sarah-Jane can help with: LinkedIn, sales conversations, online sales, customer outreach, customer experience, follow-up systems and business development.

  • Tionne Young

    Digital Content, Canva & Brand Communication Coach

    Tionne helps business owners create professional content, communicate their value and build a stronger digital presence. As Co-Founder of The ASE Group, she has helped grow a national organisation that has supported close to 300,000 Australians. Her experience across major partnerships, brand development, program design and communication helps her turn ideas into clear messages and practical content.

    Tionne can help with: Canva, content creation, branding, social media, marketing campaigns and business communication.

Apply for Private Mentoring

‍ Frequently Asked Questions.

  • The Australian Government Digital Solutions Program helps small and micro-business owners build practical digital skills and make better use of technology in their business.

    In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the program is delivered by the Australian School of Employment (ASE) in collaboration with the Canberra Innovation Network.

    The program has a total value of $1,995 per eligible business. Through Australian Government funding, eligible small and micro-business owners are only required to pay a $110 co-contribution fee to participate.

    Participants can access 5 hours of private digital mentoring, as well as free workshops, webinars and online learning resources designed to help them confidently use digital tools and technology in their business.

  • Yes. Eligible small and micro-businesses in New South Wales can access 5 hours of private digital business mentoring through the Australian Government Digital Solutions Program.

    The mentoring package is valued at $1,995 per business and is available for a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee.

    Businesses can apply for the program here.

  • To be eligible for the program, your business must:

    • Be based in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory

    • Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)

    • Have fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees

    • Operate as a for-profit business

    Applications are reviewed before access to private mentoring is confirmed.

  • Eligible businesses pay a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee to access 5 hours of private mentoring and digital business support valued at $1,995.

    Workshops, webinars and online learning resources are available free of charge.

    If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may also be eligible to have the $110 co-contribution waived.

  • Eligible businesses experiencing financial hardship may be able to have the $110 co-contribution fee waived.

    You may be eligible if you can provide evidence of financial hardship, such as:

    • A current Services Australia Customer Reference Number (CRN), or

    • Evidence that your business revenue has decreased during the previous 12 months

    Financial hardship applications are assessed as part of the application process and supporting information may be required.

    Pre-revenue businesses can still be eligible to participate in the Digital Solutions Program, however being pre-revenue on its own does not qualify a business for the financial hardship waiver.

  • Digital Solutions mentors can provide practical support across areas including:

    • Artificial intelligence and tools such as ChatGPT

    • Social media marketing

    • Digital marketing

    • Websites and improving your online presence

    • Canva and digital content creation

    • Business software and digital systems

    • Automation and workflows

    • Selling online

    • Cybersecurity and data privacy

    • Digital business strategy

    • LinkedIn and online business development

    Your mentoring is tailored to your individual business goals.

  • Yes. Once approved for private mentoring, you have choice and control over who you work with.

    You can explore our available coaches and choose a mentor based on their experience, areas of expertise and availability. If you are not sure who would be the best fit, we can absolutely recommend a coach based on what you would like support with.

    You can continue with the same coach throughout your mentoring or choose different coaches across your sessions if you would benefit from expertise in several areas.

    The choice is yours. Our role is to give you access to experienced coaches and help you find the right support for your business.

  • No. You can choose to work with the same mentor or mix and match mentors depending on the different skills and support your business needs.

    This means, for example, you may choose to work with one specialist on AI and another on digital marketing or social media.

  • Yes. Digital Solutions Program workshops are completely free for participating small and micro-business owners.

    Workshops focus on practical digital skills and are designed to give business owners useful ideas, strategies and tools they can apply directly in their own businesses.

    Topics include areas such as digital marketing, social media, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business software and digital strategy.

    You can explore upcoming workshops and register for free here:
    https://www.digitalsolutionsprogram.com.au/workshops

  • You pick!

    Your mentoring can be strategic and advisory, hands-on and practical or a mix of both, depending on what you want to achieve.

    Our mentoring sessions are a minimum of 90 minutes, which gives you and your mentor time to work through practical improvements together rather than simply talking about what you could do.

    Where appropriate, we encourage you to actually do something during the session. Your mentor can guide you step-by-step while you set up a digital tool, improve your website, create content, build an AI workflow, review your marketing or configure business software.

    The program is not a done-for-you service, so your mentor cannot complete the work on your behalf. Instead, they work alongside you so you understand what is being done and can continue using it confidently after the session. In practice, this means sharing your screen while your mentor talks you through the steps, working together inside a platform or tool, making changes live during the session or testing something as you go.

    Of course, if you would prefer strategic advice, ideas or a fresh perspective, your mentor can do that too. Our goal is for you to leave having made real progress, not simply with a big to-do list.

  • Yes. New and early-stage businesses can apply for the Digital Solutions Program, provided they meet the program eligibility requirements.

    The support is tailored to your current position, so mentoring may focus on establishing your digital presence, choosing systems, building your website, starting social media, developing marketing or adopting new technology.

    New and pre-revenue businesses are still required to pay the $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee unless they separately qualify for a financial hardship waiver.

    Being a new business, being pre-revenue or currently having no revenue does not on its own qualify as financial hardship. To be considered for a financial hardship waiver, you must be able to provide eligible evidence, such as a current Services Australia Customer Reference Number (CRN) or evidence of a significant reduction in business revenue over the previous 12 months.

    A significant reduction in revenue is different from having no revenue because the business has only recently started. A new or pre-revenue business with no previous revenue to compare against does not meet the financial hardship criteria on that.

  • No. The Digital Solutions Program is designed for small business owners with different levels of digital experience.

    You can get support whether you are starting from the basics or already using digital tools and want to improve your systems, marketing, automation or use of emerging technology.

  • We use automated AI agents to help review applications quickly.

    If the information you provide is correct and can be verified, we aim to provide an outcome within around 90 seconds.

    As part of this process, we check your ABN against the Australian Business Register, confirm your personal and business details and make sure the information provided in your application matches available public records.

    If everything matches and you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive an acceptance email with instructions to complete your Australian Government co-contribution.

    If any details do not match or your application requires further review, it will be referred to a team member for manual assessment. We aim to complete manual reviews within 24 business hours.

    Once approved and your co-contribution has been completed, you can choose from the available mentors and start booking your private mentoring sessions.

    You will also be able to access free workshops, webinars and online learning resources to continue building your digital skills.

  • The Australian School of Employment delivers the Digital Solutions Program for eligible businesses across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in collaboration with the Canberra Innovation Network.

    Free face-to-face workshops are delivered in locations right across NSW and the ACT, alongside online learning opportunities. You can explore upcoming workshops and register for free here: https://www.digitalsolutionsprogram.com.au/workshops

    Private mentoring can be delivered online via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face at our Haymarket Launchpad in the Sydney CBD. You choose what works best for you. Our Haymarket Launchpad is located in a former chocolate factory, which we think is pretty cool. And yes, if you visit us in person, there will be chocolate waiting for you when you arrive.

  • The Digital Solutions Program is funded by the Australian Government to help eligible small and micro-businesses build practical digital skills and improve how they use technology.

    Government funding significantly subsidises the cost of participating in the program. Eligible businesses pay a $110 Australian Government co-contribution fee to access 5 hours of private mentoring valued at $1,995.

    The program also provides access to free workshops, webinars and online learning opportunities.