Buy From The Bush (BFTB) is an online marketplace supporting small businesses in rural communities. Supporting entrepreneurs and ‘bush businesses’, the website stocks a plethora of items. From fashion and jewellery through to produce and food. 

On Tuesday 26 September, BTFB partnered with PayPal Australia to launch a national competition, Buy From The Bush – Big Break, with a share of $60,000 in the prize pool.

The competition

The competition is calling on rurally-based Australians to pitch their business idea via social media. Using their social media channels the first entrance will be a 15-second Instagram reel. This is also accompanied by a three-minute video pitch.

BFTB’s founder, Grace Brennan, has a specific reason behind why Instagram is the platform for creators and entrepreneurs to enter the competition.

“Buy From The Bush started as an Instagram account showcasing the beautiful things available to buy from rural communities facing drought. I wanted to support other big ideas from the bush and give other innovative rural businesses the chance for their ‘big break’. It’s only natural we’d use social media as a channel to make entering easy and accessible,” says Brennan.

“It may be a mere seedling of an idea, a proof of concept or an existing bush business that needs a little boost to get to the next level. We are looking for creative ideas that have strong market potential and will deliver positive outcomes to local rural communities.”  

,BFTB has partnered with PayPal Australia to support local and rural business. The payment giant’s chief executive officer, Eric Lassen, has spoken about the passion that PayPal Australia has for supporting small businesses. 

“When Buy From The Bush told us about its idea to launch a competition for rural entrepreneurs, we didn’t hesitate to get involved. We can’t wait to see the brilliant ideas that are out there, and to give the winners the boost that they need to get off the ground,” says Lassen.

The entries will be judged on how effectively the pitch tells the story, their idea, market potential and also commercial appeal. The entrepreneurs will also be judged on whether the idea will have a positive impact on the local community.

First place will take home $30,000 cash and second place $15,00. The unique competition is geared up to be a great support and also a spotlight on regional businesses.

The competition closes October 10.