Greater Birmingham and Solihull
A digital skills mentoring programme to help small businesses get back on their feet in the wake of COVID
Helping well-loved small businesses get back on their feet
The COVID-19 crisis has been a tough time for independent businesses. With severe disruptions in supply chains and limitations on physical footfall, the opportunity that selling online presents is more important than ever.
Digital Welcome connects small business owners with supportive digital mentors. Over five weeks, small business owners will work through the process of boosting revenue through online sales. This can either compliment or stand alone from in-person sales.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions via email at hello@digitalwelcome.org. Or call us on 0800 0323488.
Volunteer digital mentors
By sharing their digital skills, digital mentors can ensure the future of local livelihoods. Several informal hours over five weeks can make all the difference
Small businesses in Greater Birmingham and Solihull
Join thousands of other SMEs that have grown their business online since lockdown hit Britain
Programme delivered by:
The Digital Welcome programme will run between:
27th July – 28th August 2020
Small businesses: apply here by July 13th
We’re delighted that you’re interested in applying to Digital Welcome. Over the five week programme your business could be transformed, with a whole new revenue stream opened up. Getting set up selling online is often easier than many people think, and the Digital Welcome programme will take you through the process.
Only straightforward existing digital skills are required. What is more important is an existing excellent product, or product range that customers love. You’ll also need to be based in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull region which includes: Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.
The data you submit in this form will be for the purposes of assessing your eligibility as a Digital Welcome SME, solely for the Digital Welcome project partners. It will be stored in line with GDPR regulation.
Digital mentors: apply here by July 13th
We’re delighted you are interested in joining Digital Welcome as a Digital Mentor for the West Midlands launch.
We are currently looking for digital mentors who live in, or have links with the West Midlands to play a key role in supporting local independent businesses – to transition as they move trade online. Digital mentors do not need to be tech pros, the most important thing is general confidence with picking up online skills and sharing that knowledge with others. It can be a hugely rewarding experience that will help your local community’s economy recover.
We welcome you to apply below. An application should take around ten minutes.
Any questions, please contact hello@digitalwelcome.org.
The data you submit in this form will be for the purposes of assessing your eligibility as a Digital Welcome SME, solely for the Digital Welcome project partners. It will be stored in line with GDPR regulation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the programme cost anything for businesses?
Digital Welcome is free for SMEs. Volunteer digital mentors who are passionate about their local community economies play a crucial role in helping businesses get back on their feet.
If my business already has an online presence can I apply?
Yes, we welcome applications from businesses who want to both create and improve their online sales pipeline
What if my business ends up overloaded with customers?
Your digital mentor will work with you to ensure the online system you put in place is appropriate to your business’ capacity
Are mentors expected to play the role of an IT help desk?
No, not at all. Whilst there will be support offered on your scheduled calls, the goal is for the SME to feel comfortable experimenting and implementing self sufficiently
I am retired, can I still apply as a digital mentor?
Yes! We would love to see your application. Your skills and experience could be invaluable
How much time will the scheme take up?
Just a few hours a week over five weeks in July and August. The digital mentor’s time will of course be less than the SME, who takes responsibility for implementation