DIGITAL SKILLS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Course Overview

The Digital Skills for Small Business programme is a comprehensive, practical, and industry-focused training course designed to equip entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, start-ups, and aspiring business professionals with the digital knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s technology-driven economy.

In an increasingly digital world, businesses must embrace technology to remain competitive, improve efficiency, attract new customers, and increase profitability. This course provides participants with the essential digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills required to transform traditional business practices into modern, technology-enabled operations.

Through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on workshops, practical demonstrations, and real-world business projects, learners will gain confidence using digital tools that enhance productivity, improve communication, strengthen marketing efforts, and support informed business decision-making.

Participants will explore the latest digital platforms, cloud-based productivity applications, online marketing strategies, AI-powered content creation tools, customer engagement techniques, cybersecurity practices, and business analytics. Every module focuses on practical application, enabling learners to implement what they learn immediately within their own businesses or future ventures.

By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a complete digital business strategy, created professional marketing content using AI, established a stronger online presence, and gained the confidence to leverage modern technologies for sustainable business growth.

Course Duration

Total Duration: 40 Hours

Delivery Mode: In-Class Training

Duration: 6 Weeks

Schedule: 1 Day per Week

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Small Business Owners
• Entrepreneurs
• Start-up Businesses
• Self-Employed Professionals
• Freelancers
• Retail Business Owners
• Service Providers
• Home-Based Businesses
• Individuals Planning to Start a Business
• Anyone interested in developing digital and AI business skills

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand digital transformation and its impact on modern businesses.

• Improve workplace productivity using cloud-based digital tools.

• Build a professional online presence for their business.

• Develop effective digital marketing strategies.

• Create high-quality content using Artificial Intelligence.

• Design professional marketing materials using AI-powered platforms.

• Use AI to generate business ideas, reports, emails, proposals, and marketing campaigns.

• Communicate effectively with customers using digital communication platforms.

• Analyse business performance using digital analytics tools.

• Protect business information using cybersecurity best practices.

• Apply Artificial Intelligence ethically, safely, and responsibly.

• Develop a digital action plan to support long-term business growth.

Course Curriculum

Module 1 – Introduction to Digital Business

This introductory module explores how digital technologies are transforming businesses across every industry. Participants will gain an understanding of digital transformation and identify opportunities to modernise their own businesses.

Topics Covered

• Understanding Digital Transformation
• Digital Business Models
• The Digital Economy
• Technology Trends for Small Businesses
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Innovation
• Digital Business Opportunities

Practical Activities

• Digital Readiness Assessment
• Creating a Business Digital Improvement Plan

Module 2 – Digital Productivity Tools

Learn how to improve business efficiency using modern digital workplace applications and cloud-based collaboration tools.

Topics Covered

• Microsoft 365
• Google Workspace
• Cloud Storage
• File Sharing
• Digital Collaboration
• Calendar Management
• Task Management
• Online Document Creation
• Business Spreadsheets
• Presentation Tools

Practical Activities

• Organise business documents in the cloud
• Collaborate on shared business projects
• Improve daily workflow using productivity tools

Module 3 – Building Your Online Presence

Develop a professional online identity that helps customers discover and trust your business.

Topics Covered

• Business Branding
• Website Fundamentals
• Google Business Profile
• Business Email Setup
• Domain Names
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
• Online Reputation Management

Practical Activities

• Create a professional business profile
• Optimise your online presence
• Improve local search visibility

Module 4 – Digital Marketing Essentials

Learn how to attract new customers and grow your business using effective digital marketing strategies.

Topics Covered

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Social Media Marketing
• Facebook Business
• Instagram Marketing
• LinkedIn for Business
• TikTok Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Marketing Campaign Planning
• Customer Engagement

Practical Activities

• Create a monthly marketing strategy
• Develop engaging social media content
• Plan a digital marketing campaign

Module 5 – Artificial Intelligence for Business

Explore how AI can automate routine tasks, improve productivity, and generate high-quality business content.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to AI
• Generative AI
• Prompt Engineering
• AI Writing Tools
• AI Research Tools
• AI Image Generation
• AI Video Creation
• AI Presentations
• AI Productivity Assistants
• AI Business Planning

AI Platforms Covered

• ChatGPT
• Microsoft Copilot
• Google Gemini
• Canva AI
• Adobe Express AI
• Perplexity AI

Practical Activities

• Generate business content using AI
• Create professional emails
• Produce marketing campaigns
• Build AI-assisted business workflows

Module 6 – AI Content Creation & Graphic Design

Learn how to create professional marketing materials using AI-powered creative platforms.

Topics Covered

• Graphic Design
• Social Media Graphics
• Posters
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Logos
• Product Images
• Promotional Videos
• Presentations
• Branding Materials

Practical Activities

• Design marketing materials
• Create promotional graphics
• Produce AI-generated business content

Module 7 – Digital Customer Communication

Build stronger customer relationships through effective digital communication.

Topics Covered

• Professional Email Communication
• WhatsApp Business
• Facebook Messenger
• Live Chat Systems
• Video Meetings
• Customer Support
• CRM Basics
• Online Reviews
• Digital Customer Service

Practical Activities

• Create customer communication templates
• Build automated customer responses
• Improve customer engagement

Module 8 – Cybersecurity & Safe AI Use

Protect your business from online threats while using Artificial Intelligence responsibly.

Topics Covered

• Password Security
• Multi-Factor Authentication
• Cyber Threats
• Phishing Awareness
• Data Protection
• Privacy
• Safe AI Practices
• Ethical AI
• Copyright and AI
• Responsible Digital Behaviour

Practical Activities

• Complete a cybersecurity assessment
• Develop a digital safety action plan

Module 9 – Business Analytics & Performance

Learn how to measure business performance using digital analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Topics Covered

• Website Analytics
• Google Analytics Basics
• Social Media Insights
• Customer Behaviour
• Marketing Performance
• Business Dashboards
• AI Data Analysis
• Reporting

Practical Activities

• Analyse business data
• Create performance reports
• Make data-driven business decisions

Module 10 – Final Business Digital Project

Participants will complete a comprehensive digital transformation project by applying everything learned throughout the programme.

Final Project Includes

• Digital Business Strategy
• Online Presence Plan
• Website or Business Profile
• Social Media Marketing Campaign
• AI-Generated Marketing Content
• Business Productivity Workflow
• Customer Communication Plan
• Cybersecurity Checklist
• Business Growth Roadmap
• Final Presentation

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Use digital technologies confidently to manage and grow a business.
• Increase productivity using cloud-based digital tools.
• Build and maintain a professional online presence.
• Develop successful digital marketing campaigns.
• Create high-quality business content using Artificial Intelligence.
• Communicate effectively with customers through digital platforms.
• Analyse business performance using digital analytics.
• Protect business data using cybersecurity best practices.
• Use AI ethically, responsibly, and effectively.
• Develop and implement a digital transformation strategy for their business.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the programme and meet the attendance and assessment requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion in Digital Skills for Small Business from CBI Academy.

Course Summary

• Course: Digital Skills for Small Business
• Duration: 40 Hours
• Schedule: 6 Weeks (1 Day per Week)
• Delivery Mode: In-Class Training
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Practical Learning: Hands-on Workshops & Real Business Projects
• Certification: CBI Academy Certificate of Completion