Entrepreneurs in London will have free access to digital training and tools until 2025, under a new UK government-funded program to boost small business growth.
The London E-Business Support Program, created by Business for London, will deliver 'tailored' one-to-one digital training sessions to over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the capital region.
This comes amid growing interest in the importance of AI and the use of technology, not only for technology-based companies but also for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Giuseppe Polifrone, founder of Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar Symposium London, said joining the program at a “soft launch” stage has already created new opportunities.
“One of the most important things is to improve SEO. This ranking is very important if a small business like us wants to grow digitally,” he added.
Learning how to use new digital platforms and social media channels is a key driver in increasing Symposium's overall online presence, which Polifrone says is critical to attracting new customers. .
Despina Johnson, chief executive of Business for London, said: “Most small and medium-sized businesses can benefit greatly by leveraging online marketing and implementing digital tools and technology.
“Tailored advice and guidance from subject matter experts, as well as online learning, helps owners make these important changes to maximize their potential, transform their business for the digital age, grow and prosper. It helps make that possible.”
Digital-focused support for small business growth is on the rise, with the government just last month announcing updates to the Help to Grow 'one-stop-shop' website.
Despite the number of start-ups growing in the UK, a recent report from Goldman Sachs suggests that it is becoming increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to grow and scale up.
Howard Dover, deputy mayor for business, said technology would help London businesses overcome the “cumulative effects” of Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“As we continue to build a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone, it is vital that we continue to provide all possible support to overcome these challenges,” he added.
