With the support of the Province of South Holland, the municipalities and the business associations, the Leiden region is making a voucher available for digitisation in the SME sector. Entrepreneurs can use the voucher for, among other things, improving their website, web shop or cyber security. The voucher covers a large part of the costs up to a maximum of €1,000.
From 12 noon on 31 March, the vouchers from the first round can be applied for via the website of Economy071. Entrepreneurs who want to apply for a voucher should read the conditions on www.economie071.nl in advance to be well prepared. The vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis. A second and third round of applications will follow before and after the summer. In each round, 50 vouchers are available.
Making a profit
Through practical workshops, entrepreneurs can gain ideas throughout the year for digitisation within their company. Martijn van Pelt, chairman VNO-NCW (Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers) Rijnland: ‘With the initiative Let digitisation work for you, we want to make it clear that every entrepreneur can make a profit by investing in digitisation. In this way, you can cleverly reduce costs and increase your turnover. Investing in cyber security is also of great importance. After all, more and more entrepreneurs are having to deal with cybercrime. Not only annoying, but also often costly. With a targeted investment in your digital security, you can prevent many problems.
Workshops
Entrepreneurs who want to explore their opportunities can make an appointment with an SME coach. A short digi-scan also helps entrepreneurs on their way. Workshops are also held throughout the year. The next ones are on 7 April in Leiden and 8 April in Leiderdorp on ‘Findable via Google’ and cyber security respectively. Information can be found on the website of Economy071, www.economie071.nl. Entrepreneurs also apply for the voucher via this website.