Advantage to local innovation

Dunsborough businesswoman Louise Robinson claimed the Innovation Award at the recent 2019 South West Business Excellence Awards for her app, Local Advantage.

Mrs Robinson launched Local Advantage with 75 discounts available to consumers on a plastic key card.

It has now grown to include discounts from 244 Capes businesses and moved electronic, in the form of an app.

Mrs Robinson said the exposure and feedback from the awards was invaluable.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win an award and have your business idea validated by well-respected judges and other business owners,” she said.

“Even the submission process of having to review your business and answer their questions has a huge benefit.”

Busselton Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Jo Richards said it was great to see local entrepreneurs succeeding in the evolving economic climate.

“It’s often difficult for parents to create the opportunity to do this, but more and more people are achieving success by innovating and being flexible and versatile,” she said.

Local Advantage was also runner-up in the Home Business Award.

As the small business continues to grow, Mrs Robinson plans to utilise the free co-working space at the new Busselton Chamber of Commerce Connect Innovation Hub in Vasse.