Vodafone has announced it will upskill the digital capabilities of 800,000 small and medium businesses (SMEs) over three years as it extends its business.connected.
In partnership with Enterprise Nation, Samsung and Cisco, over 100,000 businesses have benefitted from Vodafone’s business.connected programme which offers free online courses.
The commitment to support 800,000 SMEs over three years will ensure these businesses get the guidance needed to work through a tough economy.
The business.connected curriculum is set to be extended with the addition of partners Sage, a financial, accounting, HR and payroll company and Zym, a small business marketing specialist.
Small Business Minister Jane Hunt MP said: “Small businesses are at the forefront of British enterprise and this scheme from Vodafone shows the power the private sector can have to help many achieve new levels of innovation and success.
“The business.connected scheme complements a range of government support on offer, such as our Help to Grow: Digital initiative, equipping small businesses across the country with the essential tools they need to boost productivity and grow.”
Vodafone UK head of small and medium business Andrew Stevens added: “The initiative has already helped over 115,000 SMEs upgrade their digital capabilities, and with growing uncertainty in the economy and rises in the cost of living – alongside our partners Enterprise Nation, Cisco, Samsung, Sage and Zym; we look forward to upskilling the digital proficiencies of 800,000 more, as digital channels continue to provide a vital and cost-effective solution in helping SMEs adapt and thrive within a challenging economic environment.”