Small businesses across Derry and the surrounding area are being offered a free opportunity to strengthen their digital and AI skills through the business.connected digital bootcamp, delivered by Vodafone Business in partnership with Enterprise Nation.
REGISTER FOR FREE EVENT: CLICK HERE
Hosted at the Millennium Forum Theatre and Conference Centre in Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the three-day bootcamp is designed to help small business owners boost their digital confidence, grow their business with expert support and make digital tools work harder for them.
New research from Enterprise Nation’s Tech Hub, found that just one in five (21%) of the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses use AI regularly, with the smallest firms furthest behind: only 34% of one-person businesses use AI at all, against 68% of firms with 50 to 249 staff.
As part of Vodafone’s business.connected initiative, and delivered in partnership with Enterprise Nation, the bootcamp will give attendees practical tools, expert advice and actionable ideas to help them build a stronger digital presence and grow with confidence. It includes one in-person learning day and two online sessions.
Cost (53%) and a lack of skills (46%) remain the two biggest barriers small businesses report, exactly the gap this bootcamp’s AI session is designed to help close.
The business.connected digital bootcamp will cover
1. Thursday 12 November 2026, in person: digital brand, social media, cyber safety and AI
An in-person learning event covering everything from building a powerful digital brand and understanding customers to getting noticed online, making social media work for the business, protecting the business and using AI to save time. Attendees will also hear from inspiring entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to network with other small business owners.
2. Thursday 19 November 2026, online: building a website that works
An online session focused on building a website that works for the business, from creating a clear and engaging online presence to improving visibility through local SEO and Google Business Profile.
3. Thursday 26 November 2026, online: email marketing to stay connected and generate sales
An online session exploring how to build and grow an email list, create content customers want to receive and use email marketing to stay connected and generate sales.
Every session is delivered jargon-free, with tools and strategies attendees can apply immediately in their own businesses.
The bootcamp sits within Vodafone’s wider commitment to UK small businesses, which includes an £11 billion investment in network capability aimed at delivering the fastest 5G speeds, infrastructure that underpins the digital tools small firms are being encouraged to adopt.
How to take part
Places are free but limited. Small business owners in Derry and across Northern Ireland who want to get their business noticed, reach more customers and build a stronger digital presence are encouraged to reserve a spot promptly using this link.
