Charles Armstrong, Technology Entrepreneur and founder of Trampoline Systems
DERRY businesses are being encouraged to ask ‘What If?’ when it comes to launching their digital enterprises – with a special event taking place during Enterprise Week 2015.
NORIBIC, in partnership with the North West Regional College (NWRC) and Derry City Council, is hosting a one day Digital Enterprise event titled WATIFY – Encouraging Digital and Creative Enterprise during the five day Enterprise Week programme, which runs from February 23-27, and is delivered by Council with support from Invest Northern Ireland through the European Regional Development Fund.
WATIFY is an EU Commission campaign being rolled out across 11 European Regions which aims to accelerate the creation of jobs in digital entrepreneurship. The programme assists entrepreneurs and existing businesses in harnessing the power of digital technologies and identifying new opportunities for both business growth and innovation.
Clare McGee from NORIBIC explained more about the event which she anticipates will appeal to a diverse range of companies. “Watify (‘What if I…?’) aims to help all types of companies to overcome the doubts they face when launching their digital business, or when transforming their traditional business using digital technologies.
“It does this by providing access to digital icons from across Europe who can help by sharing their experiences of setting up a digital business or transforming their existing business using digital technology.
“We anticipate an audience of 150 delegates that will include local businesses, potential entrepreneurs, academics, graduates, undergraduates and jobseekers from across the North West.”
Programme manager of Derry City Council’s Growing the Digital Economy programme, Rosalind Young, encouraged local SMEs to come along and explore the opportunities offered through Watify. “We are delighted to work with NORIBIC in delivering this event, which will really unlock the potential of digital technology for all types of enterprise.
“Derry has a unique digital proposition and by supporting this event we are showcasing how digital technology can transform a business and the strong benefits and relevance of digits to all businesses regardless of size, location or sector
“The Growing the Digital Economy programme is running until June and we will be offering a range of support services and sector animation activities over the coming months and using the Watify event to promote the programme and getting businesses to sign up to the programme.”
The conference will take place on Tuesday 24th February in the Foyle Theatre of the North West Regional College.
The event features an exciting line-up of leading industry specialists including inspirational entrepreneur and founder of Smarta Business School, Sháa Wasmund, and fascinating sociologist and entrepreneur Charles Armstrong. They will be joined by local digital icons and businesses across the creative and digital sectors who will share their experiences of starting and growing indigenous creative digital business in the North West.
This one day conference is the Enterprise Week 2015 flagship event and in light of OFMDFM’s recent commitment towards a more balanced regional economy – specifically around attracting jobs and investment to Derry and prioritising the city as a ‘Digital Industries’ hub – this event will showcase both the city and Northern Ireland to Europe and beyond as a region of culture, creativity and digital enterprise opportunity.
There will also be the opportunity to upgrade your company’s digital infrastructure, by finding out more about the Derry Connection Voucher Scheme project. The government backed scheme offers all small to medium sized businesses between £100 – £3000 to upgrade to superfast broadband, and advisors will be on hand to explain how you can easily switch to high speed broadband.
The packed programme of Enterprise Week events, running from February 23-27, focuses on a wide range of Investment Opportunities, Tourism, Craft, Growing the Digital Economy and a whole host of new and exciting business innovations and strategies.
Anyone interested in taking part in the event must register in advance. To find out how your business can take part, more information on the programme and to register for individual workshops go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/BusinessOpportunities/EnterpriseWeek.
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