More than 200 Tasmanian small businesses are benefitting from a program to help boost their online presence, the Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, said today.

Digital Ready workshops have/are being held around the state, offering Tasmanian small businesses the opportunity to learn more about digital commerce and grow their skills and confidence in this area.

"We've seen more than 200 small business operators take part in Digital Ready sessions in Hobart, Burnie and Launceston, which is a great result," Mr O'Byrne said.

"That's more than 200 Tasmanian small business operators who will be better prepared to maximise their returns by being involved in the online economy."

Mr O'Byrne said Digital Ready was an important program that was helping small businesses to understand the benefits of having the right social media strategy, optimising their websites or having effective online supply chain and distribution systems in place.

"The program includes individual one-on-one business support services from expert online consultants over an intensive eight-week period with the opportunity to identify their needs and to work through a customised program," he said.

"By increasing online activity as the NBN is rolled out across the state, our businesses can be at the forefront of maximising the benefits and taking advantage of the head-start we have over the rest of Australia in being the first state to achieve ubiquitous NBN connection."

The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Rebecca White, said the program emerged as a joint action plan of the government's Small Business Strategy and Digital Futures Strategy. "In this day and age, an online presence for our small businesses is an absolute must," she said.

"It's important we work with small business to help them take advantage of the opportunities available by enhancing their online presence.

"We will continue to work hard to leverage the NBN to create innovative, sustainable and vibrant Tasmanian businesses creating new jobs in Tasmania."

Additional Digital Ready programs will be rolled out over the next two years. 

Businesses wishing to get involved, or learn about other programs offered through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, can find out more by contacting BusinessPoint on 1800 440 026 or email businesspoint@development.tas.gov.au