Business owners in Babergh and Mid Suffolk who want to learn new or improve their digital skills can now access free courses as part of a new business support programme.
The Digital Skills Programme is part of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils post-covid recovery strategy and is being run by MENTA using funding from Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund (SIGIF).
The workshops, which are held virtually, are free to attend and cover topics such as online security, digital and social media marketing, e-commerce, and information management.
Following the launch of the Virtual High Street in 2020, many businesses reported wanting to improve their digital skills to help their business engage with current and potential customers, but they needed support to help them understand which platforms they should be using and how to make them work for their business.
The Digital Skills Programme was initially launched for businesses on the Virtual High Street and is now open to all businesses in the districts.
Commenting on the Digital Skills Programme, Cllr Michael Holt, cabinet member for economic growth, Babergh District Council, said:
“Over the last two years, business have had to work differently to stay connected to their customers and while we look forward to returning to a more familiar way of working, many businesses want to expand and improve how they are working digitally.”
Cllr Gerard Brewster, cabinet member for economic growth, Mid Suffolk District Council, commented:
“Our Digital Skills Programme will provide business owners with a range of skills including online security and e-commerce, the workshops available are for beginners as well as for people who want to make sure they are up to date with the latest digital developments.”
In addition to the Digital Skills Programme, the recovery programme also includes the Virtual High Street, which operates in all five key towns and surrounding areas across Babergh and Mid Suffolk as well as the Innovate Local scheme.
Innovate Local is supporting start-up businesses with access to a pitch at Stowmarket and Hadleigh markets while the Innovation Hubs will offer micro businesses start up support with desk space and business mentoring in Sudbury and Eye when they open later this year.
To find out more about the Digital Skills Programme and book onto a workshop visit https://store.menta.org.uk/collections/training?page=1
Find out how Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are supporting businesses by visiting www.babergh.gov.uk or www.midsuffolk.gov.uk