Facebook offers help to local companies

Local companies are being offered a two-day workshop with Facebook in Sydney. Photo / AP

Social media giant Facebook is offering 12 small companies in Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to accelerate their businesses.

The Facebook Small Businesses Accelerator programme offers a two-day workshop in Sydney with marketing experts and a three-month supported advertising campaign on Facebook.

The programme, to be held on September 24 and 25, started taking applications this week and judging takes place on August 16.

To qualify, a business must be operating in New Zealand or Australia and entries are judged based on their applications and their prior skill and experience in running advertising campaigns on Facebook.

Spokesman Nick Bowditch said the programme will help the businesses provide targeted, engaging and effective advertising.

"This is an opportunity for the privileged few to get direct help through their campaign for three months," Bowditch said.

He said the application process alone could prove a valuable experience for businesses.