Building digital capability across rohe

DIGITAL BOOST: Gisborne business people pick up digital skills at a recent workshop at Taiki E. Picture supplied

Trust Tairāwhiti has been partnering with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and local organisations Ask Alice, Tai Tech and Tolaga Bay Innovation to provide digital skills workshops for small businesses across the rohe.

Each organisation delivered a programme of workshops over the past few months to build digital capability and introduce digital tools into businesses.

Trust business growth adviser Joe Williams said the workshops supported businesses to adopt the Government-backed Digital Boost platform during the early stages of their digital journey.

“The platform offers free access to self-paced training and tools to launch businesses into the digital world. It covers a range of topics including how to build a website, social media marketing, cloud accounting and how to integrate software into business systems and processes.”

Lisa Daunton, owner of clothing label Kaiwhakangau, said the time with Ask Alice, facilitated by the Digital Boost, was everything she needed.

“As a start-up business, the programme provided great tools and insights into the business world. Being able to meet with others meant we quickly developed a sense of camaraderie and support for each other's businesses. This has continued beyond the programme.

“I highly recommend the Digital Boost platform — whether you are a start-up or a seasoned business that just needs help to move into the digital world.”

To date more than 70 businesses have registered for the programme in Tairāwhiti.

For more information, visit the Digital Boost website or get in touch with the trust's Business Growth team by registering with Regional Business Partners.