Council to manage £7.5m digital transformation fund

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

A NI-wide fund for digital transformation of small and micro businesses has now opened its first call for applications.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) is to manage and deliver the £7.5m programme through the existing Full Fibre Northern Ireland (FFNI) consortium, which includes all 11 local authorities.

FFNI programme manager, Michael Forster provided an updated presentation to councillors with a view to support 600 new small business projects. He said: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF)can offer eligible businesses and social enterprises help to fund their digital transformation project.

“Digital technology is transforming the way in which businesses operate, helping them to gain a competitive edge and achieve long term success.

“The DTFF grants are worth between £5,000 and £20,000 and are designed to help small and micro businesses accelerate their digital transformation ambitions.

"If eligible, the grant can fund up to 70% of the cost of a project with 30% match funding from the applicant."