Go and Grow Online Reaches Over 2,500 Entrepreneurs

Go and Grow Online, the digital training programme targeting over 20,000 small businesses through virtual training and supports to accelerate digital, sales, CRM and financial skills, has been accessed by over 2,500 small business owners since it launched two months ago on 14 January 2022.

Hundreds have attended the free virtual events hosted by Go and Grow Online digital trainers who have delivered talks and workshops on topics like SEO, selling online and platform optimisation. Others have accessed free resources developed especially for small businesses including event recordings.

Go and Grow

At the start of April, e-learning modules will go live giving small businesses step by step supports on topics such as expanding online sales, digital sales, cyber security and finance management.

Soon to launch are face to face sessions and events hosted at locations all around the country where entrepreneurs will be able to access digital training as well as the chance to network and share their experiences.

Colin Creagh, Head of Business Development at Klarna Ireland, said, “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. SMEs are truly at the center of our economy and we are committed to helping them thrive and succeed in the online space.”

Go and Grow Online Supporters

Go and Grow Online is supported by Vodafone, Microsoft, and Klarna and is delivered by Enterprise Nation, the small business network. Businesses who take part in Go and Grow Online have access to the Enterprise Nation platform and the supports provided including workshops, eLearning, and access to digital advisers.

The programme has been developed in response to demand from small business owners – many of whom founded their companies in response to the pandemic, with stats showing a 42% increase in new company registrations in the first half of 2021 alone – who are looking for training on how to ensure their businesses succeed online.

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 supports so that we reflect the agility and flexibility that’s necessary for entrepreneurs. And it seems to be working, with over 2000 startups accessing supports in the first two months.”

Lisa Corcoran, Head of SMB Business at Vodafone Ireland, said: “Supporting SMEs and business communities across the country on their digital journey is an important priority for everyone at Vodafone Business. It is 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.”

Peter Lougheed, SME Lead, Microsoft Ireland said “Small and medium businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and Microsoft is really passionate about supporting SMEs achieve their digital and online ambitions to create efficiencies, grow and expand and remain competitive. 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.”

To find out more about the programme and to sign up for free business events, visit https://www.enterprisenation.com/go-and-grow-online/.