Online forum stars shops and services

THE ins and outs of running a small business are close to the heart of Donna McGilligan.

“My brother runs a small business, my parents and grandparents have always been in small business, my husband has always been in small business, and my sister has recently been stood down from her job,” she said.

As COVID-19 restrictions knocked the enterprising people she loves, Mrs McGilligan acted, creating a platform that would reach out to Ballarat’s broader small business community, and lift them up.

Ballarat Small Business & Home Deliveries is this initiative. It’s a Facebook group run by Mrs McGilligan in partnership with Ruth Orr.

“We constantly are scanning through Facebook, looking for businesses that are continuing to offer services or do something different for the community at this time, and we’re sharing posts,” she said.

With almost 3700 people joining the group within its first three weeks, it has quickly launched, resonating with consumers and city service providers, from food producers, to retailers, to accountants.

“It’s ticking along well by itself. We’re getting a lot of member participation and they’re posting a lot of things that they see, so it’s not requiring as much work from us,” Mrs McGilligan said.

“But it has kept Ruth’s and my mind off everything that’s been happening, so it’s given us a diversion. We’re not just focussing on ourselves, but thinking of others.

“We’re really proud of the efforts of the page; there’s never any negative comments. Everyone seems to be supporting local business which is exactly the aim that we had.”

Unless they hold an ABN, or are established with a high profile, home-based businesses are not featured within the Facebook forum.

“It’s really about people who have put their livelihood on the line… They pay rent, insurances, tradies, that sort of thing… and we would really like it to continue once all this is over,” Mrs McGilligan said.

“Keep sharing and adding posts because that’s what keeps it going. It’s the local businesses that keep our town alive. We need to know that they’ll be there.”

Visit facebook.com/groups/2536423246571167.