Business support service Go Succeed has partnered with the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) to offer specialist services to entrepreneurs who want to accelerate their growth through digital transformation.

The DTFF, which is designed to help small and micro businesses accelerate their digital transformation ambitions, provides grants between £5,000 and £20,000.

It supports a range of innovative technologies including smart environments and the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and analytics, immersive technologies, AI, and more.

With the next funding call for the DTFF set to open in March, Go Succeed is offering specialist mentoring, aimed at supporting businesses to transform using digital technologies and further supporting them to access the fund.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: “Digital transformation offers businesses a powerful opportunity to unlock growth, whether by streamlining operations, automating processes, or investing in innovative digital products and services that enhance their offer to customers.

“Council is committed to supporting our local entrepreneurs and businesses in realising their full potential. I would encourage those considering digital transformation or seeking assistance with their DTFF application to reach out to Go Succeed and take advantage of their specialist digital mentoring to help business owners on their journey.”

Among those to have benefitted from digital transformation support is Dunloy based bespoke furniture maker Driftwood CNC Services, which supplies unique pieces for businesses and people’s homes, working across shop and hospitality fit-out, office and industrial installations, creating bespoke panelling, door fittings, wardrobes and beyond.

Aided by grants from both Go Succeed and the DTFF, Driftwood CNC Services is forecasting significant growth in 2025 following an investment in new state-of-the-art routing equipment that will allow the business to keep up with rising demand from commercial and private customers.

Michael Doherty, Owner, Driftwood CNC Services said: “It was actually through one to one mentorship with Go Succeed last year that we identified the possibility of expansion through the grant schemes, including the DTFF.

“The money we have received has helped to purchase upgraded equipment for our main workshop that will significantly speed up processing times, allowing us to provide unique pieces to more customers, and faster.

“We have also invested in a range of portable handheld cutting and finishing devices to use on site allowing us to achieve the same quality of woodwork and joinery that we can in the workshop, anywhere across the country.”

Driftwood CNC Services supplies unique pieces for businesses and people’s homes, working across shop and hospitality fit-out, office and industrial installations, creating bespoke panelling, door fittings, wardrobes, and beyond.

Michael added: “This is a growing industry as more people seek unique solutions that will set their homes or businesses apart. By embracing more advanced technology, coupled with the grants, we are now in the best shape ever to service that market.”

Go Succeed is delivered by Northern Ireland’s eleven councils and is funded by UK Government. The service is dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting the local business community. Through one-to-one mentoring, workshops and resources, they help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive and digitally driven market.

To find out more about the support available, visit https://go-succeed.com/digitaltransformationsupport/.