Small businesses in Gymea Village have begun accessing Sutherland Shire Council’s digital transformation grants, using the funding to implement automation and AI systems that were previously accessible only to larger retailers.

The grants, offering up to $5,000 per business, have supported implementations ranging from automated inventory management to AI-powered customer service tools, helping local shops compete more effectively.

What Businesses Are Implementing

Several Gymea traders have completed grant-funded projects:

Gymea Fresh Fruit Market Owner Con Stavros used his grant to implement an automated inventory system that tracks stock levels and generates reorders based on sales patterns and seasonal trends.

“I used to spend hours every Sunday planning orders based on gut feel,” Stavros explained. “Now the system does most of that work. It knows that banana sales spike on Mondays and that stone fruit needs restocking faster in summer. My waste is down and my shelves are fuller.”

Gymea Pets The pet supplies store implemented a customer communication system that sends automated reminders when pets are due for flea treatments, worming, or food reorders based on purchase history.

“Customers love it,” said owner Michelle Park. “They get a reminder that Max is due for his heartworm tablet, and they can click to order or come into the store. It’s helpful for them and good for us.”

Chapters Bookshop The independent bookstore implemented an AI-powered recommendation engine similar to larger online retailers, suggesting titles based on customer purchase history and reading preferences.

“Amazon has been doing this for years,” acknowledged owner David Chen. “Now my little shop can offer the same personalised recommendations, but with the advantage that customers can actually talk to someone who’s read the books.”

The Grant Program

Sutherland Shire Council’s Digital Business Grants were introduced in mid-2025 to help small businesses adopt technology without bearing the full cost burden. Key details:

• Grant amount: Up to $5,000 per business
• Funding ratio: 50% of project costs (business contributes matching funds)
• Eligibility: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees within Shire boundaries
• Open to: Retail, hospitality, professional services, trades

Applications are assessed on potential impact, business viability, and appropriateness of the proposed technology.

Implementation Support

Beyond funding, the program provides access to technical advisors who help businesses identify appropriate solutions and manage implementations. Several local businesses worked with these AI specialists through the program’s referral network.

“We weren’t trying to solve problems we didn’t have,” noted Stavros. “The advisor helped us identify where technology could actually help, rather than just selling us the latest shiny thing.”

This practical approach has contributed to high implementation success rates, with council reporting that 92% of funded projects have achieved their stated objectives.

Results and Expansion

Council data shows tangible benefits across funded businesses:

• Average time savings: 8 hours per week on administrative tasks
• Average cost reduction: 12% in targeted operational areas
• Customer satisfaction improvements reported by 85% of participants

Based on these results, council has allocated additional funding for 2026, with the next grant round opening in February.

How to Apply

Businesses interested in the next round should:

1. Identify a specific operational challenge technology could address
2. Research potential solutions and obtain quotes
3. Prepare a brief business case explaining expected benefits
4. Submit application through council’s business portal

Information sessions for potential applicants will be held:

• February 5, 6pm: Sutherland Library
• February 12, 10am: Cronulla Community Centre

“We want every small business in the Shire to have access to tools that help them compete,” said council’s economic development manager Sarah Wong. “Technology shouldn’t be only for big business.”

Applications for the February 2026 grant round open on February 1 and close February 28. More information is available at sutherland.nsw.gov.au/businessgrants or by contacting the council’s business support team on (02) 9710 0333.