Newry, Mourne & Down District Council / Ards & North Down Borough Council
FREE 1:1 digital innovation mentoring
Digital Growth Programme
This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
Digital Growth Programme
With digital marketing and immersive technology becoming such a vital tool for businesses in today’s world for boosting sales, generating leads and reaching new customers, businesses will need as much knowledge and experience as they can in this field. The Digital Growth Programme is designed to give businesses valuable advice and support from experts in the industry, between 1:1 mentoring and workshops, where they can then develop their digital skills within their industry.
This programme aims to enhance digital capabilities and develop knowledge in new and existing platforms including; social media management and advertising, SEO, PPC and website optimisation as well as delivering new customer experiences through AR, VR and immersive technology.
This programme allows businesses to register their interest* for mentoring sessions with a qualified and well experienced digital expert. If successful each eligible business will benefit from between 1 – 5 days of 1:1 mentoring support. The process for the delivery of this support is straightforward; a digital diagnostic will be conducted to establish the businesses’ current skills, identify gaps and the individual business needs. Next a suitable mentor will be appointed and a unique plan for that business developed, which will be delivered via 1:1 mentoring. As a result, 260 businesses on the mentoring programme will have developed bespoke knowledge in digital marketing and immersive technology to enhance business performance.
We understand that each business will have different needs and there is not a one size fits all approach. This programme is designed to give each business the support it needs to grow and develop new jobs in the economy. We’ve handpicked some of the best talent across all digital disciplines to help businesses upskill. Our mentors and trainers have a very hands-on approach. We will create a bespoke mentor package for you to ensure your staff have the most relevant digital skills needed to help your digital business stay ahead.
The flexible 1:1 mentoring programme gives both traditional and digital businesses the opportunity to discuss and seek advice on many aspects of digital marketing including;
- Integration to back office systems; Online Accounting/Stock Management for Small Business, PAYE and payment returns,
- Beginner and Advanced Social Media,
- Social Media analytics,
- Video Marketing using video to showcase your products and services,
- Email for Small Business, Content Creation and Copywriting,
- Developing an E-Commerce Strategy,
- Selling Online through third party platforms: Selling through established platforms e.g. eBay, Amazon Marketplace. Selling through third party sites,
- Digital Strategy: selling through your website, online advertising, using analytics to drive sales,
- Website Optimisation,
- Cyber Security,
- Immersive Technology, using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in your business,
- Identifying & adopting mobile apps that will enhance customer engagement,
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Identifying the right CRM for your business, developing a basic CRM, getting the most out of your CRM, using CRM to drive sales.
In addition, workshops have been designed to develop digital knowledge on existing platforms already widely used by businesses while also giving a scope for new, emerging platforms to progress awareness in all aspects of digital marketing.
*subject to eligibility criteria
Feedback From Previous Businesses
MEET THE DIGITAL MENTORS

Niamh Taylor
Niamh is an award-winning digital marketing expert with over 20 years international experience in marketing, both online and offline, across B2B, B2C and public sector.

Emma Gribben
Emma is an international digital marketing consultant and trainer working with start-ups, SMEs, brands and agencies in NI, ROI, UK, Dubai and Australia across digital strategy.

Kathryn Pyper
Kathryn is a talented digital marketer with specialist knowledge and experience in all things digital marketing. She trains on all areas of digital marketing.

Russell Crawford
Russell is an IT consultant with over 8 years experience in Server Management, General IT Support and Web Development, working with SMEs & start-ups in NI, ROI & UK.

Caroline O'Neill
Caroline is owner of DIGG Childrenswear in Dungannon. Caroline also pioneered DIGG for Success helping businesses to establish and utilise effective online social media marketing. She is a mentor for small businesses looking to grow their presence on social media.