Community and Regional Portals in Australia: A Role to Play for Small Businesses?

Abstract

The importance of Web portals to small business has increased considerably in recent years. There are many different types of portals, but this chapter examines the use of community and regional portals by small businesses in Australia. In the chapter, two Australian regional portals are contrasted with the more generic e-malls, and the advantages of each are discussed. We show how portals can be used to advantage by small businesses in several different settings. Benefits to small business include: greater customer loyalty, improved business relationships, enhanced e-business trust, lower cost of infrastructure, ease of access to advice, and expanded business opportunities.