About
Papa Academy
Our mission
The Mission for Papa Academy is equip small business owners, charity administrators and individuals with the essential digital skills and knowledge to enable them get employed or run and manage their businesses online.
Achievements
Business owners attended
%
Businesses gone online so far
Why Papa Academy Started?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous challenges have beset small business proprietors, particularly women from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, charity administrators, and individuals who lack IT proficiency and the financial means to hire IT professionals. The abrupt shift in consumer behaviour towards online transactions has left many struggling to adapt, leading to the unfortunate collapse of numerous offline businesses and charities.
Recognising the urgent need for support, Papa Academy CIC has embarked on a mission to empower these marginalised groups. Through our comprehensive program, we aim to equip individuals with essential digital skills that are vital in today’s increasingly online-oriented world. Our core areas of focus include but not limited to website design skills, digital marketing strategies, the establishment of small-scale online enterprises, bolstering business and personal cyber security, and adept usage of fundamental online tools such as CRMs, calendars, budgeting tools, and planners.
By providing accessible and hands-on training, Papa Academy CIC strives to bridge the digital divide and level the playing field for small business owners and charity administrators. Our initiative empowers them to establish a robust online presence, tap into the burgeoning e-commerce landscape, and effectively engage with a tech-savvy consumer base. With these newfound digital proficiencies, individuals and organisations can not only survive but thrive in the evolving business landscape.
In essence, Papa Academy CIC serves as a catalyst for growth and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. We are committed to equipping individuals with the tools they need to not only adapt to the changing times but to emerge as successful, digitally fluent entrepreneurs and administrators.
According to the Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index 2020, over half of the UK’s workforce (17.1 million) lack workplace digital skills and 11.7 million (22%) adults are without the essential digital skills needed for everyday life.
Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and rebuild thriving communities.
Digital Iliteracy Vs Digital Divide
Our digital skills training initiative emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which left small businesses, charities, and individuals struggling for sales, donations, and job prospects. The Director of the Online Business Start-up Hub, primarily composed of women from diverse minority backgrounds, approached us. She sought help in teaching her 250 members essential digital skills like digital marketing and no-code web design to promote their businesses online.
Initially, we trained a few members, but demand surged as more sought assistance, including guidance on starting online businesses through dropshipping. We’ve now expanded our reach to collaborate with over six local community groups across London.
While we ask for a modest £20 fee to cover administration costs, our ultimate goal is to make our training sessions entirely free, eliminating even this minor barrier to access. Our program reflects our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities in the digital age.
Our Long Term Sustainability Strategies
We have employed several strategies that will enable sustain our initiative and programs in the long-term:
Diversify Funding Sources: Seek additional grants, donations, and sponsorships from local businesses, corporations, and philanthropic organizations dedicated to community development and digital literacy.
Fee-Based Services: Offer advanced or specialised digital training sessions for those who can afford to pay, generating income to cover operational costs and expand outreach to underserved communities.
Collaborations: Partner with local educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits to access resources, facilities, and expertise, ensuring a sustainable flow of support.
Volunteer Network: Recruit and train volunteers passionate about digital education to reduce labor costs while maintaining program quality.
Online Courses: Develop and monetise online courses or resources, reaching a broader audience and generating revenue.
Community Engagement: Engage program alumni to become ambassadors and advocates, promoting the initiative and attracting new participants.
By combining these approaches, the initiative can secure its long-term viability and continue empowering communities with essential digital skills.
Featured Digital Skills Courses
Testimonials
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