Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West Country are being encouraged to participate in a no-cost initiative providing digital and tech assistance. The Tech for Growth program, fully funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), in collaboration with Business West and techSPARK, offers workshops and expert business support aimed at helping SMEs improve their online presence, embrace new technologies, and enhance their digital capabilities.
To qualify for participation, businesses must be located in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, or South Gloucestershire, have fewer than 250 employees, achieve a minimum annual turnover of £100,000, employ at least three full-time staff, and demonstrate ambitions for growth and job creation.
The initiative seeks to empower regional firms to streamline processes, boost productivity, expand into new markets, attract fresh clientele, increase sales, and foster growth in both turnover and employment. According to Lucy Paine from techSPARK, Tech for Growth has been instrumental in connecting the community with companies in need of tech support, showcasing the tangible impact of its tailored approach. 
Participants in the program will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise across various domains, including SEO, artificial intelligence, data management, digital marketing, brand strategy, and sales processes. Additionally, they can leverage networking opportunities to engage with industry experts and peers, facilitating the exchange of best practices.
Lizzie Lyons, leading the project as the head of skills delivery at Business West, emphasized the critical importance of equipping businesses with the requisite knowledge and resources to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. Tech for Growth stands ready to deliver precisely that, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to excel in the digital age.
Funded by WECA through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Tech for Growth represents a strategic investment in the digital empowerment of SMEs in the West Country.
