On the back of Amazon’s Launchpad program aimed at backing start-ups and entrepreneurs to harness the power of the e-commerce giant, it has released its 2021 Amazon Launchpad Innovation Report.

The report taps sentiment and developments among Australian SMB owners, showing 89 percent are feeling more resilient in running their businesses, one year on from the first lockdowns across the country.

Head of Launchpad at Amazon Australia Chadd Ciccarelli says the report shows that 12 months into the Covid crisis the nation’s small and medium businesses are “feeling resilient and optimistic”.

“Lockdown restrictions have fast-tracked the digitalisation of Australian businesses, withover three-quarters of SMBs saying e-commerce and digital tools have allowed them to run their business from anywhere,” Ciccarelli says.

10 finalists entering the Amazon Launchpad program will have the opportunity to virtually pitch their entry to a panel to win one of the five packages worth more than $200,000 including a $20,000 cash grant, Amazon advertising support, an exclusive boot camp experience with access to Amazon and other experts.