East Suffolk Council has unveiled a new online service to support local businesses in their digital activities.
Named Digital Springboard, it has been developed by not-for-profit company MENTA to provide support, resources, workshops and grants for firms hoping to create or strengthen their online presence.
It includes classes on various digital themes, an ‘digital MOT’ profiling tool to analyse a company’s current digital capabilities, and a function for applying for grants to support digital development.
Cllr Stephen Borroughs, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for customer experience, said: “Now we’re able to augment the broader programme by offering businesses across East Suffolk a launchpad from which to realise their digital goals, however modest or ambitious.
“Businesses looking to pivot following the pandemic, and in need of extra support to develop their digital aims, may find the support particularly helpful.”
Assessing impact
MENTA chief executive Alex Till said: “With the changing trends in digital technologies, this programme will enable businesses to review their digital impact and benefit from the resources that are available under this fully funded programme.
“It is fantastic to see the progressive nature of East Suffolk Council and being responsive to the needs of businesses that we are so passionate about supporting.”
The project is the latest component of the Digital Towns programme for East Suffolk, which has also included the roll out of free public Wi-Fi linked to footfall counter technology and analytics.
It is funded partly by East Suffolk and partly by the New Anglia Local Economic Partnership’s Innovative Projects Fund and the Government’s Getting Building Fund.
