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Sabtu, 19 September 2020 18:53:00

Amazon introduces additional support measures to help small and medium businesses bounce back from COVID-19

Globally, Amazon announced that it will invest US$18 billion in 2020 to support small and medium businesses and that it will spend an additional US$100 million to promote small businesses during Prime Day and through the holiday season
 
In Singapore, Amazon is one of the qualified e-commerce solution providers under the Digital Resilience Bonus administered by IMDA, and eligible local retailers who register to sell on Amazon.sg can receive a bonus of up to S$2,500
 
SINGAPORE - 18 September 2020 - (NASDAQ:AMZN) -- In 2020, Amazon has provided support to thousands of local retailers and helped many of them to build thriving businesses by selling on Amazon.sg, and is keen to do more.

Now, local retailers selling on Amazon.sg who meet the eligibility criteria can also receive the Digital Resilience Bonus (DRB) administered by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

In addition, as part of Amazon's continued global commitment to support small and medium businesses (SMBs) during COVID-19, Amazon announced that it will invest US$18 billion to help SMBs worldwide sell to customers, including investments in logistics, tools, services, programs, and people. These initiatives add on to the support measures for local retailers that Amazon has leaned in to provide, including an ongoing collaboration with Enterprise Singapore on the eCommerce Booster Package which offers eligible local retailers a one-time grant of up to S$9,000 when they register to sell with Amazon.sg.

"As local retailers continue to adapt to the new normal, digitalisation is key to enabling them to build resilience and tap into new revenue streams domestically and internationally. Small and medium businesses are a part of Amazon's DNA and we remain committed to their success. The new initiatives will provide the necessary push in encouraging local retailers to step up digitalisation efforts and we're happy to work with IMDA on the Digital Resilience Bonus to offer additional support to them during this time of need," said Bernard Tay, Country Leader, Amazon.sg Seller Services and Head of Amazon Global Selling Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

"The recently announced Digital Resilience Bonus (DRB) under the SMEs Go Digital programme encourages retail and food services enterprises to take prompt action in adapting to the new normal through digitalisation. It is heartening to see industry leaders like Amazon coming forward to enable businesses reach out to more customers online and help their SME partners benefit from the DRB." said Catherine Chong, Director, SMEs Go Digital, IMDA. 
 
Helping local retailers emerge stronger from the pandemic
Since the onset of COVID-19, Amazon has introduced a pipeline of initiatives targeted at supporting the local small and medium business community in their online selling journey. These include:
 
New resources by Amazon help retailers digitize
Amazon announced that it is on course to invest US$18 billion this year to help small and medium businesses to sell to customers, including investments in logistics, tools, services, programs, and people. Since the beginning of the year, Amazon has launched more than 135 free tools and services to help sellers grow their sales in Amazon's store. In Singapore, Amazon recently launched its Seller University, an online education portal offering complimentary training videos and tools so retailers new to eCommerce can learn how to create effective product listings faster and master the key tools and applications for selling on Amazon.
 
Other resources available include the Amazon Seller App for local retailers with accounts on Amazon.sg to track sales and manage their business via mobile. For retailers to build and nurture their businesses online, Amazon also rolled out its Marketplace Appstore, a one-stop shop to discover third-party applications and services for automating tedious business aspects, and the Seller Forum, a resource for first-hand advice from fellow business owners on selling with Amazon. Sellers can also join the Sell on Amazon Singapore Facebook page to connect with the community of sellers on Amazon.sg.
 
Digital Resilience Bonus (DRB) with IMDA
The DRB is one of the efforts by the Singapore Government to uplift the digital capabilities of a broad base of enterprises. For a start, the DRB will benefit the food services and retail sectors which have been deeply affected by safe distancing measures amidst COVID-19. Amazon is one of the e-commerce providers that qualifies as a solution for the DRB. Eligible retailers who sell on Amazon.sg and fulfil the other mandatory requirements can receive a one-time S$2,500 automatic cash payout. Detailed information on the DRB, including its eligibility criteria can be found here and in the Appendix.
 
Recognizing home-grown businesses and celebrating their journeys
In a bid to raise more awareness for local businesses, Amazon recently launched a dedicated "Shop Local" storefront on Amazon.sg. The "Shop Local" initiative features local brands' founding stories and a plethora of products from local businesses in categories such as home and home improvement, electronics, kitchen and dining, health and personal care, toys and games, groceries and more. The "Shop Local" storefront will shine a spotlight on the diversity of local retailers selling on Amazon.sg, positioning them for increased sales during Prime Day and throughout Q4. (*).