Small businesses offered digital boost via new city council programme
A new Winchester City Council programme will offer free opportunities for local small businesses to enhance their digital capabilities.
The Digital Boost for Business programme is open to all local small businesses. It will offer comprehensive digital assessment and personalised support, evolving into a tailored action plan and one-to-one assistance as they implement any recommendations.
It will be delivered on the council's behalf by IncuHive, a business support provider with extensive experience helping small and medium businesses to adopt new technologies, improve business performance and achieve sustainable growth.
Councillor Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council, said:
"Digital capability is becoming increasingly important for all businesses. Through this fully-funded programme, we want to help local businesses better understand the opportunities technology can offer and to provide the practical support needed to make meaningful improvements.
“At Winchester City Council, we are committed to supporting a resilient local economy by improving the digital adaption across the district footprint, helping our district businesses to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
"By investing in digital skills and resilience, we are supporting businesses to become more productive, competitive and future-ready, and unlocking their opportunities for growth, whilst strengthening the wider economy across the Winchester district."
Rich Burn, Digital Mentor at The IncuHive Group, said:
“Digital technology has the potential to transform businesses of every size but knowing where to start can often be the biggest challenge. Through this programme, we're looking forward to working closely with businesses across the Winchester district to understand their individual needs, identify practical opportunities for improvement and provide tailored support that delivers real, lasting impact.
“Whether it's making better use of existing digital tools, adopting AI, strengthening cybersecurity or improving customer engagement, our aim is to help businesses build the confidence, skills and resilience they need to grow in an increasingly digital economy”.
Places on the programme are limited, so businesses are encouraged to secure their place early. To apply, fill in the application form via https://tinyurl.com/3fzh4r32
Businesses interested in the programme can also contact Sector Project Officer Emily Reason with any queries: email ecodev@winchester.gov.uk