The government is improving various aspects of its Help to Grow: Digital scheme to allow more businesses to apply, to assist those that have online offers and to provide an enhanced advice service.
Reduction in minimum number of employees
Eligibility for the Help to Grow: Digital scheme is being expanded by reducing the minimum number of employees a business must have from five to one. This means the number of companies able to apply will almost triple, with up to 1.2m UK businesses being eligible to access discounts worth up to £5,000 on approved software.
Expanded digital offer
Alongside this, e-commerce software is being added with a view to supporting businesses to sell online and reach new markets. This includes software to help companies manage their inventory, take payments and gather data on their customers' needs. It is reported that businesses that adopt e-commerce software see on average a 7.5% increase in employee sales over three years.
Additional advice
The third area in which the Help to Grow: Digital scheme is being enhanced is the provision of a one-to-one advice service for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) on digital technology adoption. Applications are being invited from advice platforms to partner with the scheme, with the aim of the service being in place for SMEs to access later this year.
Please see our previous blog ‘Digital technology - advice and financial support for SMEs’ for further information about the Help to Grow: Digital scheme.
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