28/10/2026
Digitalisation, AI and new technologies are vital to the future of businesses across Northern Ireland, but those in rural communities can face additional barriers to adapting their operations.
Enterprise Northern Ireland is delighted to partner in the Digital Communities Project, a PEACEPLUS-funded initiative building digital skills, confidence and capacity across rural Northern Ireland and Ireland’s border counties. Led by The Wheel, the project brings together specialist partners to support individuals and volunteers, community and voluntary organisations, women’s groups, youth work organisations, community enterprise hubs, small businesses, and existing and potential remote workers.
Through tailored capacity building, practical support and digital resources, it aims to reduce digital exclusion, improve access to services and employment, strengthen businesses and build more connected, resilient rural communities.
Officially launched earlier this month at LEDCOM’s Willowbank Business Park in Larne, the project brought together partners from across Northern Ireland and the border region. It will focus on five pilot areas: Causeway Coast, Mid-Ulster, Strabane/Lifford, Newry and Glaslough/Caledon.
As the project’s enterprise partners, Enterprise Northern Ireland and Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) will help 100 small and medium-sized businesses across these areas strengthen their digital skills, confidence and capability. Digital diagnostics, training, workshops and practical resources will help businesses adopt digital tools, improve operations and access growth opportunities. Engagement will draw on the Local Enterprise Agency network and Community Enterprise Centres, reaching businesses within their own communities.
The project will also gather insights into the digital needs, challenges and opportunities facing businesses and communities, informing future policy and enterprise support design.
We look forward to working with CEAI and our wider project partners to help SMEs embrace digital opportunities and build their capabilities for the future.
