Small businesses in Fenland only have six months remaining to apply for free advice and grants to buy digital IT equipment through Destination Digital.

Council leaders are urging local businesses to get involved with the government-funded scheme before it ends in March 2015.

Destination Digital has provided hundreds of small companies, sole traders and charities with discounts to buy digital equipment and free business advice since it launched in February as part of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme.

Revitalized You, a holistic life coaching company run by Anna Nieman in March has expanded online and reduced costs after receiving free business advice from Destination Digital on how to use digital technology to grow her business. She also attended workshops on key digital skills such as using Google +, e-commerce and digital marketing.

Anna says: “The advice sessions from Destination Digital proved to be invaluable. My business adviser was able to look at my business plan and go through it with a fine toothed comb. They came up with some great suggestions and helped with connections to other people, companies and ideas.”

Destination Digital is part of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, which is led by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Councillor Ian Bates, Chairman of the County Council’s Economy and Environment Committee said: “Destination Digital will run until March 2015 and we are urging small companies, sole traders and charities to get in touch and benefit from the free advice and grants to buy digital equipment before its too late”.

Councillor David Oliver, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member responsible for ICT, said: “The grants and advice on offer can make a real difference to local companies. The money is there, so I’d encourage anyone who is looking to expand their business to make the most of it now. They can get an idea of the sort of practical help the programme provides at two free workshops Destination Digital is holding in Fenland this month.”

Destination Digital is running two free workshops to provide a taster of the free support available and further information about the scheme:

• Creating a Website, Boathouse Business Centre, Wisbech, 09/09/2014, 9.30-11.30am
• Social media for small businesses, South Fens Business Centre, Chatteris 30/09/2014, 8.30-10.30am

Businesses can book their place by calling 01223 706123 or online: www.destinationdigital.info/events