In September, phase two of the Digital Enterprise programme (DE 2.0) will launch, offering an enhanced programme of support for SMEs in the Leeds City Region that are keen to develop their digital capabilities. The programme’s strands of support (and levels of funding available to businesses) are yet to be finalised, but will once again include the following areas:
• Digital Growth Voucher – generic funding for digital transformation projects.
• Connectivity Voucher – targeted at firms upgrading their broadband and acquiring related technology.
• Digital Knowledge Exchange - free to attend workshops, masterclasses, digital conferences, digital audits and mentoring support.
In advance of the second phase of the programme opening, businesses have the opportunity to register their interest in the programme NOW. Both previous applicants and businesses who have not previously accessed Digital Enterprise support can apply.
A new webpage (www.digitalenterprise.co.uk/de2) has been created linking to an eligibility checker and a registration form. Businesses who are uncertain about whether they are eligible for Digital Enterprise support can check by using the eligibility checker. If they feel they are eligible to receive assistance, they can complete the registration form, which asks for details on their business, growth aspirations and an indication of the type of support they are interested in. At this stage we are not asking businesses who are interested in accessing funding to provide details on the specific digital project they wish to undertake.
After submitting a registration form, due diligence will be undertaken to confirm if we are able to support the business in principle. Once our strands of support are confirmed we will then contact eligible businesses to let them know about which strands of assistance we can potentially provide them with and invite them to apply. Businesses which are being invited to apply for voucher funding will be asked for further details on their projects. This differs from phase one of the programme, where businesses could apply for any strand of support – businesses will now only be able to apply by ‘invitation only’ once they have registered.
We are currently refreshing the Digital Enterprise brand to create awareness that we are entering a new phase for the project. Once complete, we will create a new suite of marketing collateral which we will be able to provide to you.
We will also be promoting the opportunity for businesses to register via our social media channels and will be distributing press releases to the local and regional press.
Our website will also be updated with further details on each strand of support in due course, and we will of course provide you with this information as soon as we can.
In the meantime, we are happy for you to communicate to your clients that Digital Enterprise will be returning in September and that they have the opportunity to register for the programme NOW via our website below
For more information visit http://www.digitalenterprise.co.uk/de2