Helping transform e-commerce for physical retailers
Applications are invited for a pilot ‘Bricks and Clicks’ programme being launched by DigitalCity to support SMEs in the Tees Valley.
Businesses which combine a physical presence with an online e-commerce offering have until 10 February to apply for the new programme.
The programme is suitable for businesses who are already trading online, so DigitalCity can help them to analyse and grow their e-commerce and physical retail simultaneously.
It consists of workshops, mentoring and a small grant of up to £3k, to implement any plans that will increase the digital offering of businesses, so they can reach national and international audiences (B2B or B2C).
Expert consultants will conduct a digital health check of each business to highlight the challenges or needs that the company has in order to increase its digital presence and e-commerce offering.
Workshops will start on 27 February with mentoring for businesses commencing in March and April. Each eligible business will have access to a small development grant and awards will focus upon the areas highlighted in the digital health check.
DigitalCity is a Teesside University-led initiative funded through ERDF, which supports digital growth and transformation in the Tees Valley.
Examples of eligible businesses may include:
- Creative designer makers with workshops, light industrial units etc.
- Artists with gallery/retail spaces
- Cultural sector with physical and online offers
- Independent retailers (including non-high street retailers)
We aim to support and provide the knowledge to Tees Valley businesses… so that they can reach wider audiences and ultimately grow their business as a result of e-commerce sales and digital marketing.
Businesses who are unsure of their eligibility should get in touch with DigitalCity to have a chat by emailing info@thedigitalcity.com
Lynsey Robinson, Director of DigitalCity said: “We’ve seen first-hand the challenges our local physical retailers are facing adjusting to the digital age and online retail world.
“At DigitalCity, through our Bricks and Clicks Programme, we aim to support and provide the knowledge to Tees Valley businesses to increase digital transformation through health checks and development plans, so that they can reach wider audiences and ultimately grow their business as a result of e-commerce sales and digital marketing.”
Tees Valley businesses who have both a physical and online presence should apply by filling in the Bricks and Clicks application form.
Closing date for applications is 10th February 2023.
