Facebook finds lots to like about small businesses

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED: South East enterprise Dickins Delights was chosen as one of 30 regional businesses featured in an online annual gift guide. Dickins Delights owner Kelly Bertram-Parrott celebrates the achievement with Member for Barker Tony Pasin.

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED: South East enterprise Dickins Delights was chosen as one of 30 regional businesses featured in an online annual gift guide. Dickins Delights owner Kelly Bertram-Parrott celebrates the achievement with Member for Barker Tony Pasin.

A SMALL business has shown South East entrepreneurs can win national attention as its sweet tooth creations feature on an influential Christmas gift list.

Mount Gambier’s Dickins Delights was selected as one of 30 regional businesses featured in the 2018 Australian social media guide, boosting the Mount Gambier enterprise.

The gift guide is a new initiative of the team at Facebook and Instagram involving internationally-awarded products, handcrafted goods and home-grown delights.

“This year they have visited regional towns and cities across Australia and have been inspired by the creativity and hard work of Aussie small business owners,” Dickins Delights owner Kelly Bertram-Parrott said.

“They have brought together a collection of these regional businesses for the first ever gift guide.

“Discover someone and something new, support small business and shop local these holidays.”

Dickins Delights was firstly contacted by the Facebook and Instagram team about being part of the gift guide and initially believed it was a hoax.

“We received an email we thought was spam,” Ms Bertram-Parrott said.

“Later, Jasmine at Facebook rang us to let us know she was a real person.”

A range of criteria was involved through the selection process.

“Each business on the list is based regionally, has a point of difference and has the ability to ship product nationally,” Ms Bertram-Parrott said.

“The team tried to include businesses from right across the country.”

The selection process involved travelling interstate.

“Being selected gave us an opportunity to fly to Canberra – all courtesy of Facebook,” Ms Bertram-Parrott said.

“I think this selection promotes not only our business, but puts Mount Gambier in the spotlight nationally.

“Our award winning bacon jam is featured in the guide and it was chosen because it makes a unique gift, not only for Christmas, but all year round.”