There’s plenty of talk about harnessing digital technology to streamline workflow and help in developing sales, but for many small businesses, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Announced in March by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, ‘Help To Grow : Digital’ is being launched this autumn. If you aren’t already using digital technology to enhance customer experience and the productivity of your business, this scheme could well be of interest.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Provide value for money and measurable impact;
- Tackle SME financial barriers to tech adoption;
- Tackle SME information barriers to tech adoption;
- Make it easy for SMEs to access advice and support;
- Support and incentivise the existing digital technology market to work better for SMEs.
The scheme is intended to offer impartial online guidance to help you to:
- Identify where better use of technology could enhance your business;
- Assess your technology purchasing options;
- Successfully implement the chosen technologies within your business.
‘Help To Grow : Digital’ offers SMEs up to £5,000 in matched funding to cover the cost of purchasing and implementing pre-approved technologies that are new to your business.
This is available to businesses employing 5-249 employees that have been trading for more than 12 months, and will initially focus on digital customer relationship management, accountancy and e-commerce solutions.
You can express your interest in the scheme by signing up at the Government website.