Small Business Saturday is partnering with iDEA, The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, to deliver free, expert online training to small businesses across the UK.

The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) is an international programme to help address the digital skills gap. The programme provides free digital skills education in the form of online modules (badges).

iDEA is a blended learning approach that aspires to be a digital and enterprise equivalent of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Participants take on a series of challenges to earn points that then amass towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award.

iDEA’s different learning categories (Citizen, Worker, Maker, Entrepreneur and Gamer) cover various topics. These include cyber security, cloud computing and e-safety. Also, animation, growth hacking, customer relationship management and web development.

All of the digital badges are short modules that a learner can complete anywhere they can be online.

iDEA Pioneer

As an iDEA Pioneer, Small Business Saturday will help businesses to take the next step in their skills training with iDEA. The programme is easy to access as well as free to take part in, with a quick and easy registration.

Small Business Saturday will also be celebrating the achievements of small businesses taking part in the iDEA programme throughout the year. This includes special content and events, details of which will be shared with participants over the course of their programme.

Benefits of taking part in the iDEA programme with Small Business Saturday include:

• Free and easy to access expert online training in all aspects of running a business.
• All of the benefits of the iDEA training, including a transferable record of achievement that stays with you and your staff.
• Opportunities to gain support and share experiences with other small businesses participating in the programme.
• Opportunities for promoting your business’s progress through the Award with the Small Business Saturday network.

For further information on the programme contact comms@smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com, including iDEA Partnership in the subject line.

About Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. It highlights small business success and also encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year. However, the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses; online, in offices as well as in stores. Furthermore, many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.