£1m fund launched to help SMEs close digital skills gap

A £1 million fund has been launched to help SMEs to close the digital skills gap for young people and increase their employability. 

The iAMDigital fund, which has been set up by Creative England and Nominet Trust, will also help to support the growth of new and established SMEs.

Demand

The iAMDigital fund has been set up to help tackle the problem of the digital skills gap that was identified by the House of Commons Science and Tech Select Committee in June. The Committee found that 745,000 additional workers will be needed in the UK by 2017 in order to meet the demand for digital skills from employers.

Applications are now open for the fund. Businesses have the opportunity to express their interest by 27 October. The deadline for full applications is 1st December.

The fund will support businesses outside of London and across England that are working to help improve access to digital engagement and improve the lives of young people.

Businesses that apply for the fund will also have the opportunity to grow, with investments between £50,000 and £200,000 being offered.

Thrive

Commenting on the fund, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Karen Bradley, said: “This fund will help young people outside the capital get the skills they need to thrive. And, following our commitment to provide basic digital skills training to adults in England who need it, is another boost as we aim to equip the whole country with the tools for modern life.”