Free E-DATA Academy courses open to SMEs

Upskill yourself or your team at no cost to your business

Free digital skills courses are available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via the E-DATA Academy. These courses cover:

• cyber security and awareness
• data science foundations
• digital marketing fundamentals
• change management for SMEs

All courses are available online and are self-paced to fit busy schedules. They are open to individuals and teams in any sector, and aim to help businesses upskill staff and apply practical digital tools without disrupting operations.

Why these courses help

Many SMEs struggle with digital adoption due to limited time, budgets and expertise. These flexible courses offer 24/7 online access, an opportunity to gain practical skills for immediate use, and learn more about the additional support for digital transformation you can get from E-DATA partners.

Access courses via the E-DATA website.

Additional E-DATA support

E-DATA (Enterprise Digitalisation and Transformation Alliance) is a cross-border consortium led by Ulster University and co-funded by the EU PEACEPLUS, UK government, Irish government and Northern Ireland administration. It offers free digital transformation support to SMEs in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland border regions.

In addition to the E-DATA Academy, it offers other free-of-charge services, including:

• specialist mentoring - up to 14 hours of one-to-one expert guidance
• digitalisation assessment and transformation plan - worth £3,750
• supported interventions - worth £4,411 to £13,170
• sustainability workshops - with practical advice on going green
• collaborative network - with opportunities to connect with other AI and data businesses

These services are available to SMEs in counties Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry~Londonderry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo and Tyrone.

Explore all E-DATA services.

First published 1 May 2026