Free digital training courses for SMEs with business.connected

Have you heard of business.connected? It’s an initiative that was launched back in 2021 by Vodafone and Enterprise Nation. The aim is to support thousands of SMEs in adopting technology, improving digital skills and staying safe online.

There were practical reasons for creating business.connected. Vodafone commissioned research that found that:

• 25% of SMEs don’t activate tech / app solutions after buying them
• 34% are unclear about which digital tools meet their business needs
• Only 35% have basic cybersecurity protections.

In early 2022, the business.connected programme received a major boost after Samsung Electronics UK joined as its ‘Exclusive Smartphone Partner’. As a result, this has boosted the range of support on offer. In particular, there are new digital training courses on topics ranging from connecting devices seamlessly to optimising connectivity.

How does business.connected work?

In a nutshell, business.connected is a free training programme. Delivered exclusively online, it offers a mix of interactive workshops, e-learning modules and fortnightly webinars. Similarly, all participants can also enjoy a free consultation with a Vodafone Business V-Hub adviser. Furthermore, they can help you with a wide range of digital topics, such as building an online presence or managing online security risks.

How do I sign up?

Signing up is easy. You simply fill in this online form to join the programme.

What kind of online content does business.connected offer?

The interactive workshops are expert-led and designed to help you become a ‘digital changemaker’. Moreover, the programme schedules new workshops regularly.

Similarly, business.connected offers a range of e-learning modules that can be accessed at any time. These cover topics ranging from setting up an online store to simplifying your cyber security. In addition, fortnightly webinars cover many different subjects, such as social media advertising, creating landing pages and video marketing.

What’s the catch?

Given that all this online training is free, surely there has to be a catch?

As far as we can see, there is no catch. Certainly, Vodafone promotes offers on products such as broadband, but there’s no obligation to buy anything.

Also, you don’t have to have a particular level of skill or expertise to take part.

Is it worth taking part?

Improving digital skills across your business is always worthwhile. With the advent of Making Tax Digital, for example, businesses are having to adopt new software and meet new technical requirements. In the same way, developing skills that will also help you with digital marketing, online security and meeting your business aims surely has to be a good thing?