The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has launched a Digital Business Kit, and DigitalReady.org.au, targeted at small businesses, and not for profit organisations in the arts, recreation, and education services sectors.

Digital Ready gives step by step assistance to build the necessary skills to engage effectively with the digital economy.

Over six modules, it covers a range of topics including getting connected to fast broadband, determining an online strategy, using social media, the cloud, online registration, e-commerce, and telework.

Teresa Corbin, CEO at ACCAN, said the Digital Business Kit is a practical way to increase services offered to small business and not for profit memberships, as well as the broader community.

“The team has researched the sector thoroughly to target the kit appropriately and we’re really excited about the opportunities we’re able to offer through Digital Ready.”

“The kit is free for anyone to access and is available now. Organisations can access it through DigitalReady.org.au and can complete the modules at their own pace. The kit ties into the theme of our conference this year, Connecting Today’s Consumer. It will encourage small businesses to become connected and take advantage of the digital economy,” said Corbin.

The Digital Ready kit is the result of a grant awarded to ACCAN by the Department of Communications last year.

Peter Strong, executive director, Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA), said small business stands to greatly benefit from digital technology.

“The ACCAN Digital Ready Digital Business kit is a tremendously useful education initiative for Australian small businesses,” he said.

The 2014 ACCAN National Conference is the organisation’s fifth conference to date. This year’s event will focus on connecting today’s consumer, and covers the need for all people to be connected to the internet, giving a platform for consumers, government and industry representatives to explore the big issues facing telecommunications customers.

The 2014 ACCAN National Conference is being held from September 16 to 17, and will feature sessions covering privacy, small business, accessible apps, the NBN, and illegal content downloading.