Digital Drive is an ERDF funded programme for businesses in and around County Durham, which aims to help businesses in the area grow and develop. It has recently received a £4m fund to help companies in Durham do more with digital technology.
The Digital Drive programme is part of Digital Durham, an initiative to identify homes and businesses with poor internet service, and improve them by getting certain areas in the county access to fibre broadband. Digital Durham is now in its second phase, where it hopes to bring fibre broadband to 27,000 more homes and businesses by September 2018.
Although one of Digital Drive's aims is to improve internet connections for businesses, you could still be eligible for funding and assistance even if you already get fibre broadband. The Digital Drive programme wants to 'maximize SMEs growth potential and sustainability through digital technology', and therefore many companies in County Durham are entitled to help.
The Digital Drive is currently offering the following assistance:
- 'One to one business support to help with strategic business planning, digital marketing and guidance on digital technologies that could be beneficial'
- 'Fully funded masterclasses and conferences covering topics such as digital transformation, digital content and search engine optimisation'
- 'Digital Health Check to assess your online presence, review your digital skills and provide advice on the best use of technology for your business'
- 'Grant funds of up to 40% to support digital consultancy projects; equipment that will help your business to improve through the use of digital technology; or the installation of broadband infrastructure.'
To be eligible for this assistance, you must be an SME located in County Durham. Your business must have less than 250 employees, you must be already trading, and have a turnover of less than €50 million. You can register your interest in the programme on the Digital Drive website.
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