Digital Skills for Small Businesses
In this blog, we will explore:
- The obstacles small businesses face in the digital world.
- How Braven Foundation helps business owners overcome these challenges.
- How you can support or benefit from Braven Foundation’s mission.
Let’s dive in!
The Challenges Facing Small Businesses
Small businesses play a big role in their communities by creating jobs and supporting the local economy. However, many business owners face obstacles that make it hard to grow and succeed. These are the three major challenges they often deal with:
- Lack of Digital Skills
PR Newswire found that nearly 40% lack a social media marketing strategy, and are missing opportunities to engage with potential customers.
- Limited Access to Resources
Additionally, 28% of small businesses don’t have a website, limiting their online visibility and customer reach.
- Funding Challenges
A survey by Mambu found that two-thirds of small and medium-sized enterprises could not secure sufficient funding, affecting their ability to invest in technology, advertising, and training, which are crucial for growth and competitiveness.
Addressing these challenges helps small businesses grow, compete, and support their communities. We know access to digital skills, resources, and funding is essential for their success.
How Do We Contribute?
At Braven Foundation, we are dedicated to helping women-owned and minority-owned businesses succeed in the digital world. We know that when small businesses have access to technology and resources, they can compete, adapt, and thrive.
Here’s how we help:
- Providing Tools – We equip small businesses with essential digital marketing services, marketing strategies, and technical assistance training. Whether it’s helping them build a website, improve their online presence, or develop a strong marketing plan, we make sure they have what they need to stand out.
- Offering Training Programs – We run workshops, mentorship programs, and skill-building sessions to help business owners learn how to use digital tools effectively. From social media marketing and e-commerce strategies to financial literacy, we give entrepreneurs the knowledge they need to grow their businesses.
- Extending Resources – Ongoing mentorship, connecting businesses with funding opportunities, and creating networking events where entrepreneurs can learn from and support each other.
How We Do It
Braven Foundation offers a variety of programs tailored to help small businesses bridge the digital divide and thrive in the digital world. Each program focuses on specific needs, from marketing support to financial readiness.
- Digital Communities Program (DCP):
This program is aimed at small businesses in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego counties. It provides free digital marketing services like website development, paid ads, and access to financial resources to help businesses grow their online presence and become more financially prepared. DCP focuses on digital transformation and providing funding access.
- Delete The Divide (DTD):
DTD targets small businesses in underserved communities in Los Angeles. It offers free marketing services such as website development, social media strategies, and paid advertising to help businesses gain an online presence. DTD’s goal is to narrow the digital divide by equipping businesses in communities with limited digital access with the tools they need to succeed online.
- ICIC Digital Business Optimization:
This program focuses on personalized digital marketing assistance for select businesses. Participants receive consultations and a tailored plan to improve their digital presence through advanced marketing strategies and e-commerce optimization. The program helps businesses enhance their websites, increase visibility, and boost sales and leads.
- LA Optimized (2022-2023):
In collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, this time-limited initiative offered small business support in the city to recover from the effects of COVID-19. With LA Optimized we provided free digital marketing services such as business assessments, branding, and website improvements to help affected businesses bounce back and continue growing.
Why Our Mission Matters
The world is changing fast, and small businesses need to keep up. Technology is now a big part of how businesses connect with customers, sell products, and grow. At Braven Foundation, we make sure that small businesses have the digital skills and tools they need to succeed.
- The Digital World is Growing Fast – More and more people shop, communicate and do business online. If small businesses don’t have a strong digital presence, they risk falling behind. We help them learn how to use technology to stay competitive.
- The Pandemic Changed Everything – Many small businesses struggled to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with digital tools—like online stores and social media marketing—had a better chance of staying open. We want to make sure businesses are ready for anything by giving them the tools to adapt and grow.
- The Future is Digital – More than ever, digital skills are essential for success. We believe that every business, no matter how small, should have access to the technology and training they need to thrive.
How You Can Support or Benefit from Braven Foundation
We believe that when we work together, we can make a big difference. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for support or someone who wants to help small businesses in their community, there are different ways to get involved.
- For Business Owners – If you own a small business, we offer free resources to eligible businesses like training and mentorship to help you succeed in the digital world. You can join our workshops, get expert advice, and learn how to grow your business with technology.
- For Partners and Supporters – If you want to contribute to small business support, you can help our mission by partnering with us. Your support allows us to reach more businesses and communities in need.
If you’re not a business owner or contributor, you can help by spreading the word! You can still make a difference by sharing our mission. Tell small business owners about our resources, encourage others to support digital empowerment, and help us create more opportunities for entrepreneurs.