Derry companies urged to avail of funding from 'Digital Transformation Fund'

Up to £20k of funding is being made available to companies in the Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) area to help them transform their businesses digitally and promote growth.

The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) can offer eligible businesses and social enterprises help to fund their digital transformation project. The next call for applicants for the DTFF will open on 17th June. The DTFF grants are worth between £5,000 and £20,000 and are designed to help small and micro businesses to gain a competitive edge and achieve long term success.

To support those interested in the DTFF Council has a number of in-person and online initiatives planned for the next few weeks. 

Interested parties are encouraged to attend a briefing session in the Best Western White Horse Hotel in Campsie on Thursday, 20th June at 10.30am. This is the chance to meet with partners in Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and find out exactly how the fund can work for you. 

As well as this, Council has a number of other opportunities available for interested parties. These include a Peer Support Network visit to Fast Technologies, Catalyst Innovation Centre, from 2.00pm - 4.00pm on Wednesday, 19th June providing a unique opportunity to see digital transformation in action.

These in-person events are backed up with online support. The ‘Innovation Support and Grant Funding for Digital Transformation’ workshop will take place on Wednesday, 26th June from 09.30am - 11.00am.

An online Masterclass looking at top tips for writing a successful grant application is scheduled for Wednesday, 17th July. ‘Grant Funding for Growth’ will run from 12noon - 1.30pm.

Businesses can also avail of a webinar series delivered by the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, QUB, focusing on the six advanced digital technologies that are eligible for funding under DTFF.

Danielle McNally, Business Officer with DCSDC is encouraging local businesses to find out more about the funding opportunities available.

She said, “We would appeal to local businesspeople to look carefully at the DTFF and think about how it can boost their business. Digital technology plays an increasingly important role in helping businesses evolve and grow, so support like this is a brilliant way to give your company that competitive edge.

“We know it can often be overwhelming when faced with a funding application, but that is why we have all of these support sessions planned. I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to our information session in the Best Western White Horse Hotel. Registration, networking and light refreshments will be followed by a presentation on the opportunity by the DTFF delivery team. This information is invaluable, and we would encourage everyone who is eligible or interested in the DTFF to come along and find out more.

“Please take this opportunity to get some invaluable advice and support for your business.”

For further information on the DTFF or to find out more about the range of support interventions available to your business please contact the Business Support Team by emailing businesssupport@derrystrabane.com.  Alternatively, go to https://dtff.co.uk/pre-briefing-sessions/ to register for the briefing session in the White Horse Hotel.