Ballarat’s local businesses are the pulse of our community—from the small retail stores to the cozy cafes, to independent artists like Amanda Western, each one adds something special to our city. But let’s be honest, navigating the digital landscape can be tricky. That’s where Commerce Ballarat’s Business Assistance Program comes in, providing the support needed to help businesses grow, succeed and thrive.
At Stoke Design Co., we’ve seen the real impact of this program through our work with Amanda Western. Amanda, a dedicated visual artist based in Mt Helen, runs a full-time practice that has captured the attention of both corporate clients and collectors. Like many creatives, Amanda needed to ensure her online presence matched the quality and professionalism of her artwork.
The Power of Professional Guidance
Amanda reached out to the Commerce Ballarat Business Assistance Program for a professional review of her self-built website. Her focus? Ensuring her website’s SEO was fully optimised, allowing her to reach a broader audience and, in turn, grow her client base. Beyond SEO, she was eager to receive recommendations on how to enhance the overall user experience and functionality of her site.
Commerce Ballarat connected Amanda with us, and together, we worked to elevate her website’s performance. We honed in on improving its structure, optimising content for search engines, and making sure the site was a breeze for users to navigate. Our goal? To ensure Amanda’s digital presence reflected the quality and beauty of the art she creates.
A Testament to the Program’s Success
The results spoke for themselves. Amanda’s website became more visible to search engines and easier for potential clients to explore. Her artwork took the spotlight, and Amanda was thrilled with the transformation. She shared, “I’ve learned an incredible amount through Leigh’s guidance, and I believe my arts practice will benefit significantly as a result of the improved website.”
Amanda’s journey highlights the tangible benefits of the Commerce Ballarat Business Assistance Program. For artists like her, professional support can be the difference between staying static and moving forward.
Why Programs Like This Matter
Commerce Ballarat’s initiative isn’t just another business program—it’s a lifeline for local businesses navigating today’s challenging marketplace. By offering expert guidance, resources, and financial support, the program empowers business owners to take their operations to the next level. For many, this means not only surviving but thriving in a competitive environment.
At Stoke Design Co., we’re proud to be part of a community that values and supports its local businesses. Whether through web design, branding, or digital marketing, we are committed to helping businesses achieve their goals with creativity and strategic insight. Working with clients like Amanda Western reminds us of the importance of collaboration and the positive impact we can have when we come together to support one another.
Get Involved
As a thoughtful gesture after completing the program, Amanda kindly loaned us a beautiful lino cut print and watercolour artwork titled He Watches from His Mountain Walls. This stunning piece now sits proudly in the front window of our studio—until it finds its forever home. To purchase of view more of Amandas Artworks visit her website https://amandawestern.com.au/
If you’re a business owner in Ballarat, we encourage you to explore the opportunities offered by the Commerce Ballarat Business Assistance Program. Whether you need help with analysing your business, your role in your business, branding, web design, human resources or other developmental aspects, this program provides the support you need to thrive. Check it out via the link provided HERE
