Xero, the global small business platform, announced the 28 small businesses and non-profits that have won a share of the AU$ 690,000 global prize pool in the inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund.

One of the global winners is a regional New South Wales charity and volunteer organisation, winning a total of AU$70,000 in the Strengthening Community Connection category. 

Launched earlier this year, the Xero Beautiful Business Fund seeks to help Xero’s small business customers boost their growth plans and drive future success. More than 5,500 applications were received from Xero customers across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Congratulations to QSEC member Natura Pacific.

Trailblazing with technology: Natura Pacific (Qld) 

Seeking to innovate through technology is Natura Pacific, a Queensland social enterprise. Natura Pacific connects communities with the natural world through regenerative agriculture. The Xero Beautiful Business Fund winnings will enable Natura Pacific to swap out their 1960’s diesel tractor used for orchard spraying with an agricultural drone. This will reduce their organic spraying time twelvefold – from 24 hours a week to around two hours. Passionate about digital transformation in regenerative agriculture, they plan to leverage their experience and knowledge with other farmers. 

Read more here.