Buy From The Bush and PayPal are introducing a national competition to give budding entrepreneurs and small businesses an opportunity to make their dream a reality.
The competition called Buy From The Bush Big Break is calling on Aussies from the bush to pitch their great business idea via social media for their chance to win a share of the $60,000 prize pool to upscale or kick-start their business.
“We are calling on founders, entrepreneurs or people who have been talking about their business idea for years but just need a little push, to stand up and pitch their idea to the universe,” says Grace Brennan, founder of Buy From The Bush (BFTB).
“And by universe, I mean social media.”
Indeed, BFTB had its start on social media and has grown into a substantial marketplace supporting rural communities.
“Buy From The Bush started as an Instagram account showcasing the beautiful things available to buy from rural communities facing drought. I wanted to support other big ideas from the bush and give other innovative rural businesses the chance for their ‘big break’. It’s only natural we’d use social media as a channel to make entering easy and accessible.”
The first round of judging will evaluate pitches shared as 15-second Instagram reels along with an accompanying uploaded three-minute video pitch.
“It may be a mere seedling of an idea, a proof of concept or an existing bush business that needs a little boost to get to the next level. We are looking for creative ideas that have strong market potential and will deliver positive outcomes to local rural communities,” she says.
Brennan will be joined by a panel of judges including Jane Cay, founder of birdsnest (Australian-made fashion), Liandra Gaykamangu, founder of Liandra Swim (fusing Aboriginal Australian culture with premium designer swimwear) and Marco Steinhauer, finance director at PayPal Australia.
PayPal and BFTB’s partnership started last year when they launched an online emporium covering everything from fashion and homewares to jewellery and art.
“PayPal is passionate about supporting small businesses, by giving them the backing and the tools that they need to succeed,” says Eric Lassen, CEO at PayPal Australia.
“When Buy From The Bush told us about their idea to launch a competition for rural entrepreneurs, we didn’t hesitate to get involved. We can’t wait to see the brilliant ideas that are out there and to give the winners the boost that they need to get off the ground.”
Entries are now open until 12pm Monday 11 October. For more information visit Buy From The Bush Big Break.
