The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council have teamed up to launch a new Digital Growth Programme for 2020, designed to support the development of local small and micro businesses.
Business in the digital age has changed, and some small businesses have had trouble adapting to modern practices such as social media marketing and selling on digital platforms. A few local NI councils have now teamed up to put together a scheme to help businesses take advantage of digital technologies and understand how implementing new technologies can improve their business.
The Digital Growth Programme will teach businsses skills in using modern digital platforms and technologies, with workshops on everything from mobile marketing and pay-per-click advertising models to search engine optimisation and soscial media marketing. The scheme will also involve virtual reality, augmented reality and the internet of things training for tech companies that may benefit from them.
Over 260 businesses are expected to be supported by the scheme, which will be available to actively trading businesses in either the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area or the Ards and North Down Borough Council area. To be eligible to apply for the programme, your business must also employ fewer than 50 employees.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alderman Bill Keery commented on the scheme: "Digital technologies are being used in most, if not all sectors and it has never been more critical for businesses to embrace the platforms available to them. Through this programme, we look forward to providing local micro and small businesses with access to specialist support."
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Charlie Casey commented: "The Digital economy is an important driver for innovation, competitiveness and growth for the local economy. With an experienced team of digital experts, participating businesses will benefit from interventions, networking, mentoring and workshops, all designed to support both council’s aim to help businesses grow and ultimately strengthen its digital economy"
For more information or to apply to the scheme, head over to www.thedigitalgrowthprogramme.com
Source: Written based on press release
