Moyle District Council Carry Out Ambitious E-Business Support Initiative with the Help of WesternConnect Challenge In 2002 Moyle District Council went to tender for the design and delivery of an e-business support initiative for small and medium sized businesses in their area. The objective is to raise awareness of the benefits of e-business and to assist the small businesses within the council area to set up a web presence and move toward e-commerce and e-business. Solution WesternConnect was contracted by the Moyle Council to deliver this innovative and stimulating programme to small businesses in the area, to which they are responsible for the recruitment of these small businesses. Consultants from WesternConnect have developed this project to assist small businesses with little or no experience of ICT to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of technology for their business. The project takes the format of awareness generation, workshops and mentoring sessions. As a result these businesses can enjoy the many associated benefits such as reduced costs from electronic trading and greater market penetration with internet advertising. Achievements Phase 1 of this project ran over the course of 2003, during which 35 companies participated in training and mentoring with WesternConnect. Phase 2 of the project is currently being started, with companies being recruited and materials being prepared. Customer Satisfaction "As a student new to IT the courses, tutors, equipment all combined to make it a very positive learning exercise. Since the completion of the course I've had the confidence to 'go it alone' and when I have any hassles I just lift the phone to WesternConnect. Thank you." A representative for one of the small businesses recruited in phase 1.