A successful start for Go and Grow Online Ireland
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Posted: Tue 15th Mar 2022
In just two months, Enterprise Nation’s digital training programme, Go and Grow Online, has already helped 2,500 small business owners in Ireland.
Launched on 14 January 2022, the programme was developed to meet the demand of small business owners – many of whom founded their companies in response to the pandemic.
With a 42% increase in new company registrations in the first half of 2021 alone, there was a need for additional training on how to make sure a business succeeds online.
What is Go and Grow Online?
Supported by Vodafone, Microsoft and Klarna, Go and Grow Online offers small business owners talks and workshops on topics such as SEO, selling online and ways to optimise your e-commerce platform.
Small business owners also have access to free resources developed especially for them, including recordings of business events and introductions to digital advisers.
Through virtual training and support to improve skills in areas such as digital, sales, CRM and finance, the programme aims to reach over 20,000 small businesses. Today’s figures prove it’s well on its way.
What to expect in coming weeks and months
At the start of April 2022, e-learning modules will go live, giving small businesses step-by-step support on topics such as expanding online sales, digital sales, cyber security and managing finance.
Nicola Woods, Go and Grow Online programme lead, said:
“A core principle of Go and Grow Online is that it’s available 24/7. Because we know that if you’re an entrepreneur working hard to get your business off the ground, attending training during business hours may not be realistic for you.
“That’s why we offer a blend of online and in-person support so that we reflect the agility and flexibility that’s necessary for entrepreneurs. And it seems to be working, with over 2,000 start-ups accessing support in the first two months.”
Face-to-face sessions and events are also coming soon. Hosted at locations around the country, entrepreneurs will be able to access digital training as well as the chance to network and share their experiences in person.
Lisa Corcoran, head of SMB business at Vodafone Ireland, said:
“It’s fantastic to see thousands of small business owners avail of Go and Grow Online, which will only help more and more Irish businesses to unlock new areas of growth, upskill employees and reimagine future possibilities for success.
“Supporting SMEs and business communities across the country on their digital journey is an important priority for everyone at Vodafone Business.”
Both Microsoft Ireland and Klarna Ireland echoed their delight at the initial success of the programme.
Peter Lougheed, SME lead, Microsoft Ireland, said:
“The Go and Grow Online programme reflects our commitment to nurturing SMEs through networking, digital upskilling and free online resources. As the e-commerce sphere continues to accelerate, we’re delighted to continue supporting the growth and online ambitions of Irish SMEs.”
Colin Creagh, head of business development at Klarna Ireland, added:
“We are proud and excited to be part of this incredible initiative and to have been able to provide resources, training and mentoring to over 2,500 business owners so far.”
Enterprise Nation is working with Microsoft, Klarna and Vodafone to support 20,000 small businesses across Ireland to improve their digital skills.
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