To support businesses investing in a digitally powered recovery, The Growth Hub is launching Digital October - a month of free digital focused events, workshops, webinars and one-to-one coaching sessions to equip businesses with the essential skills they need to thrive.

In July 2021, GFirst LEP rolled out Covid-19 Digital Recovery Grants of £3,000 to support digital recovery projects for Gloucestershire SMEs. Hundreds of businesses applied for the grants, highlighting the sheer demand and need for businesses to develop their digital strategy and skills, as a result of the pandemic.

The grant application process showed social media, SEO and creating quality digital content were high on SMEs' agendas and would play an essential role in their recovery.

Whilst not every business who applied could be successful in receiving a grant, GFirst LEP and The Growth Hub are committed to ensuring all SMEs in Gloucestershire receive the digital support they need, free of charge.

Throughout October, Gloucestershire SME business owners and leaders can learn digital skills, including how to set up and run Facebook and Instagram adverts, how to create video content to drive more website traffic, how to broadcast through podcasts and how to market on social media.

SMEs can get involved in free events and workshops hosted by partners including Skylight 9, Eight Interactive and Made4U Podcasts.

Sarah Danson, director of strategic Growth at GFirst LEP, said: "Digital October at The Growth Hub offers a wide range of free courses and resources to Gloucestershire businesses. There has never been a better time to engage with your local Growth Hub and access new skills, which will enable your business to develop and grow."

The full calendar of Digital October events:

In-person workshop: How to set up and run Facebook and Instagram ads

Skylight 9 Tuesday October 5 09:00 - 12:00

Gloucester Growth Hub, Oxstalls Campus, Oxstalls Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9HW

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1128 

Online workshop: How to master growth hacking

Pink Elephant Media Wednesday October 6 09:00 - 12:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1124 

Online workshop: How to get fully booked (Tourism & hospitality)

Get Fully Booked Thursday October 7 10:30 - 13:30

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1125 

Online workshop: How to create video content strategy to drive more website traffic

Rather Inventive Tuesday October 12 10:00 - 13:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1129 

Online one-to-one: How to master your business operations and marketing

My Business Buddy Wednesday October 13 10:00 - 13:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1131 

Online workshop: How to use video to promote your business

Eight Interactive Thursday October 14 10:00 - 13:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1132 

Online workshop: How to market your business on social media

Skylight 9 Tuesday October 19 09:00 - 12:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1134 

In-person workshop: How to broadcast your business through podcasts

Made4U Podcasts Tuesday October 19 10:00 - 12:00

Gloucester Growth Hub, Oxstalls Campus, Oxstalls Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9HW

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1133 

Online one-to-one: How to get more website traffic

Pink Elephant Media Wednesday October 20 09:00 - 15:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1135 

Online one-to-one: How to master your business operations and marketing

My Business Buddy Wednesday October 20 09:00 - 12:00

Online via Zoom

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/events/search/1136 

To find out more, go to: www.thegrowthhub.biz/digitaloctober 

Gloucestershire SMEs are encouraged to contact their local Growth Hub to make use of the free business support available and discover all the ways The Growth Hub can help transform their businesses.

To view all upcoming free events and explore the full range of free support on offer at The Growth Hub, go to: www.thegrowthhub.biz