We invite Latvian entrepreneurs to learn digital skills with the help of European funds

The goal of the European Union (EU) by 2030 is to achieve that at least 80% of its inhabitants, including entrepreneurs, have acquired basic digital skills, so this year we invite micro and small entrepreneurs, as well as the self-employed, to various courses co-financed by the European Regional Development fund (ERAF), informs Signe Bāliņa, president of the Latvian Information Communication Technologies Association (LIKTA).

Namely, by choosing any of the trainings in the digital field of the project “Training of small and micro merchants for the development of innovations and digital technologies in Latvia” (MMU), it is possible to learn skills and knowledge in Latvian using methodically prepared materials, both online and in person, cheaper. ERDF co-financing pays 70% of the net price of the courses.

LIKTA’s president also adds that co-financing will be available until December of this year, so the opportunity to study more profitably should be used as soon as possible. You can apply for studies at mmu.lv.

“A study by the international analytics company McKinsey shows that the Covid-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the digitization of commerce. Namely, due to various restrictions, buyers around the world began to use online channels en masse and companies had to quickly adapt to the growing needs. In addition, the respondents’ answers show that at least 80% of merchants’ communication with customers takes place digitally, which is three times more than before covid. Based on the current trends in society and business, we can conclude that digital solutions will not disappear, their importance will only increase,” said Bāliņa.

At the same time, the digital growth of Latvian society has been slower than the average in the EU and even in our neighboring countries. In the 2022 European Commission (EC) Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), which reflects the achievements of European Union (EU) member states in the field of digital competitiveness, Latvia ranked 17th out of 27 EU member states.

“The report also states that in recent years, Latvia’s DESI result has improved more slowly than most other EU countries,” added the president of LIKTA.

Since digitization can only be promoted by increasing skills and knowledge, LIKTA together with its partners – Baltic Computer Academy and Datorzinību centrs – is implementing the ERDF co-financed training project “Training of small and micro entrepreneurs for the development of innovation and digital technologies in Latvia” for the sixth year.

“It is an opportunity for our own companies to learn the most important modern digital skills in Latvian in one place, both online and remotely, and materials in Latvian are also available in the e-environment,” explained Signe Bāliņa.

Training programs are updated monthly. The choice of topics offered is quite wide. It is an opportunity to learn specific skills, such as basic competencies for digital financial management and accounting programs (SRS, EDS reports, zibsnis.lv, Jumis, etc.), graphic and visual tools (Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, AutoCAD etc.), statistical and analysis tools (Power BI, in-depth statistical analysis using Excel), cloud services and security, social network marketing and other tools (Facebook, Instagram, Google Analytics, WordPress, etc.).

You can also learn practical skills that cannot be obtained elsewhere. For example, the topic “Practical ICT security for company employees”. In today’s insecure environment, the courses provide valuable practical knowledge on how to protect your company and employees from phishing and scam emails, cyber security and how to keep data safe.

Micro and small entrepreneurs who are registered in the commercial register of the Republic of Latvia, as well as self-employed persons who are registered to carry out economic activity, can apply to participate in the project’s training.

Together with affiliated companies, applicants must meet the following requirements: the number of employees is less than 50, both the balance sheet and the turnover must be up to EUR 10,000,000. You can check your compliance with the project by clicking on the link https://emmu.bda.lv/pluginfile.php/3124/mod_resource/content/13/index.html.

​When qualifying for the project, it should be noted that, in order to prove their compliance with the status of a small company, merchants who have affiliated companies must submit the consolidated annual report or the annual reports of individual companies during the qualification process (if the affiliated companies are registered abroad and the reports are not available to Lursoft).

If the company or self-employed person meets the requirements, you must fill out the registration form at https://www.mmu.lv/_layouts/15/fba/Register.aspx. After that, LIKTA will determine whether the potential participant qualifies for training, while BDA or DZC will contact company representatives about concluding a contract. After signing the contract, you will be able to choose the courses you are interested in and apply. The last stage is to participate in training and acquire the necessary skills.

About mmu.lv

The training project “Training of small and micro entrepreneurs for the development of innovation and digital technologies in Latvia” (project No. 1.2.2.3/16/I/002) is implemented by the activities of the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union 1.2.2.3. “Support for ICT and non-technological training, as also for training to promote the attraction of investors” within the framework.

The courses can be taken from December 2016 until December 31, 2023. So far, more than 4,000 Latvian entrepreneurs and self-employed people have used this opportunity.

The aim of the project is to promote businessmen’s understanding of innovations and to raise the qualifications of small and micro enterprises (MMU) employees and self-employed workers, thereby promoting the introduction of technological innovations and increasing work efficiency and productivity.

Additional information for the media
Zane Silina
Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association
E-mail: mmu@likta.lv, Mob.tel. 29400608