Build a Stronger Team: Leveraging Government Grants to Develop Digital Skills
Reading Time: 7 Mins | By: Pocketed
It would come as no surprise to anyone: digital skills have become essential across all industries. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), keeping pace with digital transformation is not just a matter of staying competitive — it's crucial for the survival and growth of any business. Many SMEs, however, face challenges in upskilling their workforce, often due to limited budget constraints.
This is where government grants can play a pivotal role. Not only are there ample opportunities for businesses to leverage hiring grants to build their teams with new talent, but there are also grants to help you build skills within the team that you already have. To learn more about hiring grants, check out The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Grants! And for more information about training grants, keep reading.
The Digital Revolution: Why Every Industry Needs Tech-Savvy Professionals
Gone are the days when digital expertise was the exclusive domain of tech companies. Today, businesses across all sectors are realizing the importance of digital skills. From retail to healthcare, manufacturing to hospitality, digital proficiency has become a key driver of efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Consider these statistics:
According to the World Economic Forum, half of all employees may need reskilling by 2025 as adoption of technology increases.
A study by McKinsey found that 87% of companies are either experiencing skills gaps now or expect them within a few years.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for digital upskilling across industries. Whether it's data analysis or digital marketing, tech-savvy professionals are now indispensable in driving business success.
The Digital Dilemma: Challenges SMEs Face in the Tech-Driven Market
While the need for digital skills is clear, many SMEs face significant hurdles in acquiring and developing these competencies:
High costs of adoption: Implementing new digital tools and training staff can be expensive, especially for businesses with tight budgets.
Rapid technological change: Digital skills evolve quickly, making it challenging to stay current with the latest tools and trends.
Skills gap: There's often a mismatch between the digital skills businesses need and those available in the current workforce.
Time constraints: Employees often wear multiple hats, making it difficult to allocate time for upskilling.
These challenges can significantly impact a business’s competitiveness. Without the right digital skills, businesses may struggle to improve efficiency, reach new customers, or innovate in their products and services.
Some of the most in-demand digital skills for today’s businesses include:
Data analysis and interpretation
Digital marketing and social media management
E-commerce and online sales
Cybersecurity
Cloud computing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning basics
Bridging the Gap: How Government Grants Fuel Digital Transformation
Many governments offer training grants to support upskilling initiatives because it is essential to encourage growth within the workforce and the economy. These government grants can make-or-break a business’s ability to develop their team's digital capabilities.
For instance, the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant is an excellent example of how government support can drive digital transformation. This program offers funding to B.C. employers to support short-term training for in-demand jobs, including many in the digital sector.
While navigating the world of government grants can seem daunting, there are resources available to help. For example, platforms like Pocketed match businesses with eligible funding programs, including training grants, simplifying the process of finding and applying for suitable opportunities.
From Application to Implementation: Making Sense of Training Grants
To make the most of training grants, businesses should follow these steps:
Research available grants: Start by exploring government websites and using grant-matching platforms to identify relevant opportunities.
Understand the requirements: Carefully read the eligibility criteria and application guidelines for each grant.
Plan your training initiative: Develop a clear plan for how you'll use the grant to upskill your team and benefit your business.
Prepare a strong application: Clearly articulate how the training will benefit both your business and the broader economy.
Be patient and persistent: Grant applications can take time. Don't be discouraged if you're not successful on your first try.
For complex or large funding applications, it might be worth considering professional grant writing services to increase your chances of success.
The Jelly Academy Advantage: Making the Most of Training Grants
Once you've secured a training grant, it's important to invest it wisely. This is where credible training providers like Jelly Academy can play a vital role. Jelly Academy offers training that aligns closely with the digital skills most in demand by SMEs.
Here's what some business owners have to say about their experience with Jelly Academy:
Trish Francis
“Jelly Academy’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp was a very robust program covering everything from Social Media to Google Ads. I felt fully supported throughout the entire program, as there were many opportunities to connect with instructors as well as other students.
My goal when taking the bootcamp was to learn about SEO and analytics so I could have a better handle on the digital side of my business. But through the program, I learned so much more! If I wanted to change my career and become a digital marketer, I feel like I have the knowledge and tools to do that (and also the certifications). I highly recommend the program”
Anthony Wingham
“I was given the opportunity to take the course through the Métis nation this year. The weekly course was something to look forward to as each week I was able to put to practice what I had learned in that class. I found the entire experience very beneficial for my confidence in what I should be doing online or at least what I need to pay someone to do. I would love a one on one session with your company as like a graduation class to get some help with what you have been working on during the course to ensure what we did was correct and maximizing our efforts. very happy with the outcome and all the help.”
Richard Cedars
“I participated in an online digital marketing course through the Jelly Academy, and can't say enough nice things about it. I didn't have much knowledge or experience in digital marketing beforehand, so I went in with an open mind and willingness to learn. I was very surprised with how engaging the program was. The instructors were very knowledgeable and arguably the best in the industry! I learned so much about Google Ads, SEO, PR, Google Analytics and Facebook Ads!
I launched a start-up service company three months ago and the information that I learned is an asset to my company. I have an understanding of the different ways to market my business online, and will be able to expand my customer base through the resources that I have obtained at Jelly Academy.”
By choosing a credible provider like Jelly Academy, you're not just ticking a box — you're investing in high-quality, industry-recognized training that can drive real business results.
Upskilling your team is not just an option — it's an absolute necessity for business growth and competitiveness in today’s economy. Government grants and training grants offer a valuable opportunity for SMEs to invest in their team's digital skills without straining their finances.
By leveraging these funding options and investing in quality training programs, you can build a stronger, more skilled team that's ready to drive your business forward in the digital age. Explore grant opportunities through platforms like Pocketed, and discover how Jelly Academy's digital skills training can help you make the most of your training investment!
