Balmy online success for local entrepreneur Valerie following Digi-Growth aid

Since starting her business in 2017, entrepreneur Valerie has expanded her product range to offer 13 flavours of vegan balms for lips, hands, face and body.

Valerie has travelled extensively to sell her products at markets and fairs. Now with the skills and knowledge learnt through participation in this programme she can sell her products 24/7 online.

Before applying to the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Digi-Growth Programme Valerie was struggling to dedicate time to learn about influencer marketing, video creation and content planning.

Valerie said: “I joined the Digi-Growth Programme as I knew I needed help from experts, and I have been able to work on social media and content creation.

“It is wonderful that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has put together a programme like this, especially in the time we are in right now with Covid-19.

“The world is moving much more online and to have this really responsive programme designed by the council to meet our needs has been fantastic for me.”

Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Development Committee chairman, said: “The council developed this programme to help local businesses get the necessary digital skills to market their products online. It provides structure and motivation and is tailored to each participant’s business needs.

“I am sure Valerie will utilise her new skills to create an online buzz about her product range.

“By increasing her online offering she can sell her popular balms safely at this time of restricted gatherings.”

There are three streams to the Digi-Growth programme, which will continue until the end of 2022. Businesses are supported with their website, digital strategy, ecommerce set up, content and SEO strategy, social media, video creation and many more areas. The programme is expected to create at least 287 jobs. During the course of the programme mentoring support and digital health checks will be offered to 340 local businesses.

For more information on Digi-Growth visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/

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