The Digital Dock Business Programme, a small-business enterprise support initiative, launched Wednesday 5 October at the Digital Dock in Brentford. Hounslow Council’s Deputy leader Councillor Katherine Dunne formally opened the programme with talks from local partners including Sky, University of West London, Creative Enterprise West, West Thames College, NoStairway Creative and CPG Executive Consulting.
The business programme aims to boost business owners’ digital skills, create more collaboration with large businesses across the borough and to build a buzzing hub of activity for businesses and residents at the Digital Dock, Brentford. The stylish space offers an affordable co-working space for up to 30 workers, dedicated one and two person offices as well as meeting rooms, breakout space and kitchenettes.
The new business support programme, dedicated to building viable, sustainable businesses will work with start-ups, micro businesses, and small and medium sized enterprises across the borough. Support will be rolled out through live workshops, business drop-in clinics, one-to-one mentoring sessions, networking, peer to peer support – all held at the Digital Dock. Online training is also available 24/7 through the MyGrowthPod platform. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, additional support will be provided on mental health and wellbeing, financial health, and a going green programme to ensure business owners adopt more sustainable practices. Free art classes and crafting sessions will also be held to bring in the wider local community.
Speaking at the launch event Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council said:
“It’s never been more important that small businesses access the support they need to navigate these challenging times. We are continuing to develop our varied programmes of support to ensure businesses in the borough can thrive.”
Helen Roberts, founder of CPG Executive Consulting and delivery partner for this programme, said: “The beauty of the Digital Dock Business programme is that it’s a hands-on, practical business support programme, that not only provides advice, but also works with the business owner to implement what they’ve learned to fast track local businesses and firmly establish Brentford on the map as a thriving digital hub.”
Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development said:
“The Digital Dock programme provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to learn from a team of experts how to build or grow a thriving sustainable business. Small businesses are integral to our economic growth and success as a borough.
“Digital Dock offers a fantastic location to deliver this, a hub for small businesses in the heart of Brentford, that can unlock a wealth of talent and opportunities through or with Creative Enterprise West partners.”
Digital Dock long-term aim is to build a space that boosts community engagement and fosters a culture of networking and support by holding events and enabling people to access digital skills, business capacity building and training.
To sign up to this free business support programme go to www.mygrowthpod.com/digital-dock.
To stay up to date, please follow @DDBrentford on social media.
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/news/article/2734/moor_up_to_the_digital_dock_business_programme
