Harlow Council is awarding grants to 22 local small and medium-sized businesses to invest in digital improvements.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Digital Business Boost Grant aims to enhance the digital capabilities and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Harlow. Eligible businesses were able to apply for grants of up to £2,500, which must be match-funded.
The initiative provides Harlow-based SMEs with the opportunity to adopt and upgrade digital solutions that can improve their online presence, increase productivity, safeguard against cyber threats, and implement advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The council will be allocating grants totalling over £36,000.
Councillor Michael Hardware, portfolio holder for economic development, said:
“As part of our mission to secure investment for Harlow’s future we understand the importance of supporting our local businesses and ensuring they are given the opportunity to keep up with technology advancements and boost their digital presence. That is important because our town has a strong track record of innovation – fibre optics were invented here – and that spirit of invention and discovery is playing a part in our reinvention of Harlow. These grants will boost local businesses and help them to invest in digital solutions that will enhance productivity, making them more resilient, help them grow and contribute to the local Harlow economy.”