Connect, Learn and Grow Your Business – E-DATA Collaborative Network
Adopting digital technologies gives businesses a real opportunity to grow, increase productivity and become more sustainable, but knowing where to start, what to prioritise and who to trust for advice isn’t always straightforward. That’s where the E-DATA Collaborative Network comes in, a free, professional community helping SMEs across Northern Ireland and the border region connect, learn and grow through practical support for digital, data, AI and sustainability.
What is E-DATA?
E-DATA – the Enterprise Digitalisation and Transformation Alliance, is a government-funded programme helping small and medium-sized enterprises explore and adopt digital technologies that support productivity, resilience and growth. The programme provides fully funded support to businesses based in Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo and Tyrone.
E-DATA is delivered by a consortium of five partners; Ulster University, Manufacturing NI, Innovate NI, Sustainable NI and Atlantic Technological University – and has received €6.7 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, co-funded by the European Union, the UK Government, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.
As a consortium partner, Manufacturing NI leads the E-DATA Collaborative Network, facilitating peer learning and accelerated growth through networking activities that help SMEs build relationships, expand their networks, access support and resources, and learn from best practice.
Who is it for?
The E-DATA Collaborative Network is open to individuals and businesses of any size and sector from manufacturing and construction to retail, hospitality, professional services and beyond, whether you’re just starting your digital journey or already building on existing progress.
What members gain
Joining is free, and membership is designed to be practical from day one. As a member, you can access:
- Access to government-funded support for digital, data and AI adoption, delivered at no cost to participating businesses.
- Member-only networking events and workshops led by experts across digital transformation, sustainability and business growth.
- Peer learning and knowledge exchange hearing directly from technology experts and other businesses about what’s worked, and what hasn’t, on their own digital and sustainability journey.
- Regular ezine updates, keeping you informed on the latest resources, funding calls, events and the latest digital and sustainability opportunities, straight to your inbox.
Funded support, ready when you are
Joining the network connects you directly to E-DATA’s wider programme of support, including one-to-one mentoring, an SME Digital Readiness Assessment (SMEDRA), tailored training, project-based learning, and hands-on support to adopt new technologies.
In practice, that could mean automating manual admin tasks and connecting systems like CRM or stock management so they talk to each other, or turning spreadsheets into clear data dashboards that show where time or money is being lost. It could also mean support to implement lean processes or minimise energy costs and carbon emissions using E-DATA’s energy efficiency toolkit.
E-DATA services are fully funded and delivered at no cost, but places are allocated on a rolling basis, so the sooner you join the network, the sooner you can put it to work for your business.
Real stories, not just theory
Beyond workshops and mentoring, E-DATA shares real business experiences through initiatives like the Meet the Makers business leadership podcast and peer learning webinars, giving members practical, honest insight not just into digital transformation, but the everyday realities of running and growing a business: the challenges, the decisions and the lessons learned along the way.
Recent episodes include Manufacturing NI’s conversation with Hutchinson Engineering on digital transformation and community impact, a discussion with Fleming Agri on growth and resilience across generations of a family manufacturing business, and an interview with WD Irwin on automation and innovation in food manufacturing – real accounts from businesses right across the region.
A network built with you in mind
E-DATA isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. The network is built around collaboration and co-design, meaning members can help shape future activity, sharing their own business needs and priorities so that support stays relevant and grounded in real industry challenges.
Ready to get started?
If your business wants to grow, become more productive, more sustainable and access funded support to adopt digital technologies, now’s a good time to join the E-DATA Collaborative Network and connect with like-minded individuals.
Registration takes just a few minutes – complete the contact form and select the box for ‘community and updates’ to receive our monthly ezine.
Join the E-DATA Collaborative Network: https://e-data.ai/contact_v2/
View upcoming events: https://e-data.ai/events/
E-DATA is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.