A new Digital Technology Grants for Business scheme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has launched this week.

The scheme aims to increase the number of local SMEs making productive use of digital technologies to boost their business, by helping them to invest in digital equipment, systems and support.

Connecting Cambridgeshire has secured just over £1million funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to run the scheme from February 2021 until the end of August 2021.

SMEs in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with plans or ideas to grow, improve or sustain their business using digital technology can now apply for a grant of between £2,000 and £10,000 to cover up to 80 per cent of their total project costs.

The scheme will support a wide range of businesses who want to develop more sustainable business practices, including remote working and more efficient business models using digital technology.

For example, businesses needing better IT systems or equipment to support staff to work remotely could use the grant towards this to help their business continue to grow or diversify. Businesses looking to develop their on-line presence can submit projects that include consultancy services, equipment and training to develop their skills.

Businesses can find full details of the Digital Technology Grants for Business scheme on the Connecting Cambridgeshire website https://www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/digitalgrants. They will then need to complete an expression of interest form to confirm their eligibility before applying.