Supporting Local Economic Growth Through Digital Skills
Commission a 5-week programme that gives self-employed people and business starters the digital skills they need to grow
Your area has talented people running businesses, building side hustles, and creating local jobs. But without digital skills, they're struggling to reach customers and grow. We deliver practical digital marketing training that turns micro-businesses into growing enterprises that contribute to your local economy.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Self-employed people and small business owners are vital to your local economy. They create jobs, generate business rates, keep money local, and fill gaps in your high street. But they need digital skills to compete in 2025. Traditional business support doesn't give them the hands-on skills to build a website, show up in Google searches, or use social media to reach customers. Without these capabilities, promising businesses stagnate or fail. Our 5-week programme gives them practical digital marketing skills while they continue running their businesses. It's intensive, hands-on, and focused entirely on customer acquisition and business growth.
PROGRAMME COMPONENTS
Pre-Programme Participant recruitment support Eligibility verification
Pre-programme assessment (digital literacy, business readiness)
Access setup to all tools (Wix/Squarespace, Canva, Mailchimp) Orientation session Core Programme (Weeks 1-5)
Week 1: Digital Foundations for Business Understanding your online customer journey Website building begins (Wix or Squarespace) Outcome: Website structure planned and started
Week 2: Building Your Digital Presence Website completion and optimization SEO basics, getting found on Google Outcome: Live, professional website that ranks
Week 3: Social Media for Business Social media strategy for your business Content creation with Canva Outcome: Active social media with content calendar
Week 4: Email Marketing & Integration Email marketing with Mailchimp Bringing it all together, integrated campaigns Outcome: Email system set up, first campaign sent
Week 5: Launch & Growth Planning Advanced tactics and troubleshooting Growth planning and next steps Outcome: Complete digital presence and growth roadmap
Post-Programme Support (Optional) 3 months access to workspace/co-working space Alumni network and peer support Advanced workshops and masterclasses One-to-one business support signposting
PROGRAMME DELIVERABLES
For Participants:
30 hours of in-person instruction Professional website launched Social media presence established
Complete digital marketing foundation
Network of local entrepreneur peers Growth plan and continued support for them
For You (The Funder):
Monthly progress reports
Attendance tracking Pre/post digital capability assessments
Participant feedback Business growth tracking (revenue, customers, enquiries)
Employment outcomes (if participants hire staff)
Economic impact measurement (GVA, business rates)
Case studies for reporting Economic Impact: Additional GVA (Gross Value Added) generated Jobs created (participants hiring staff) Reduced benefit dependency
Strengthened local business ecosystem
WHO WE SERVE
Ideal Participants
Self-employed people: Sole traders, freelancers, side hustlers wanting to go full-time, creative professionals, trades and service providers, consultants and coaches
Aspiring business owners: Unemployed people with validated business ideas, those ready to launch, people leaving employment to start businesses
Business stage: Pre-launch with validated concept, recently launched (0-12 months), established but digitally behind (12+ months)
Barriers Addressed: Digital skills gap Limited marketing budget Isolation (working alone)
Time constraints (running business while learning)
Technical confidence Customer acquisition challenges
Not Suitable For: People without defined business ideas
Limited companies with employees (different needs)
Those unable to commit to 5-week intensive schedule
Businesses already digitally proficient
Flexible Commissioning Options
Option 1: Single Cohort Delivery Commission one cohort (12 participants)
Fixed delivery dates
Pilot approach to test effectiveness
Lower initial investment
Option 2: Multiple Cohort Series Commission 3-4 cohorts per year
Continuous local presence
Sustainable entrepreneur community building
Volume pricing available
Option 3: Partnership Programme Co-designed with your business support ecosystem Integration with existing enterprise services
Option 4: Combined Authority Scale Delivery across multiple locations Large participant numbers Significant economic impact
WHAT'S INCLUDED
30 hours of instruction per participant
All software licenses (Wix/Squarespace, Canva Pro, Mailchimp)
Materials and resources
Pre and post assessments
Business growth support
Progress reporting Economic impact tracking (12 months)
What's Not Included
Participant domain name registration (approximately £10-15/year)
Website hosting
Ongoing software subscriptions post-programme
One-to-one business mentoring (available as add-on)
Workspace access (available as add-on)
Optional Add-Ons:
Extended workspace access (3-6 months)
One-to-one business mentoring
Advanced masterclass series Graduation event/business showcase
