Digital skills
We are delivering digital skills programmes for residents and for businesses across Norfolk.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to consider an online presence for the first time.
National and international studies have shown that SMEs who digitise processes can increase efficiency and productivity. Research by Norfolk County Council and TechEast confirmed these findings and have supported our development of further research and business support programmes.
We are active members of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and have been involved in the creation of the Digital Tech Sector Skills Plan.
Go Digital
Our Go Digital project aims to support micro, small and medium sized businesses to make better use of digital tools to help them grow. We have secured additional funding through the European Regional Development Fund France Channel-England Programme to continue the project until March 2023.
As part of the Go Digital project, your businesses will get:
- An experienced business advisor matched to your business
- Quality advisor time dedicated to helping you identify digital opportunities that fit with and add to your business plans
- An advisor who acts as a critical friend, who can challenge your existing digital plans or help to create new ones
- A digital audit of your business and a comprehensive report of its findings
- An action plan which identifies the digital priorities and next steps for your organisation
- The opportunity to apply for a business grant worth up to £500 towards your digital action plan
Employer Training Incentive scheme
The Employer Training Incentive (ETIP) scheme is a separate project - but one used by many Go Digital clients - to help fund the cost of digital training. ETIP supports Norfolk businesses with the costs of staff training, offering for eligible businesses 75% of the up-front cost of almost any course needed by an SME.
DRIVE
DRIVE is a new mentoring and capital grant programme aimed at businesses contributing to the rural economy. DRIVE offers 12 hours of business mentoring and capital grants of between £5k and £30k towards up to 40% of project costs.
Recruit , Retrain, Reward
The Recruit, Retain, Reward apprenticeship scheme offers a further way to bring digital skills into your business, by recruiting an apprentice into your business. Grants of £1k are available to support an SME recruit a new apprentice aged 16 to 24, or to offer employment to an existing, redundant apprentice to allow them to complete their apprenticeship.