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Sky’s SME100 scheme returns with £2m support package

Sky’s SME100 scheme returns with £2m support package

Sky Media, the advertising sales arm of Sky, has launched a £2m support scheme for small businesses, providing free access to TV advertising through AdSmart.

Sky’s SME100 scheme debuted in 2020, offering 100 small businesses £10,000 of advertising across Sky Media channels. This year, the company has doubled the TV advertising value on offer to £20,000, alongside a free 12-month business broadband and digital phone package, courtesy of Sky Connect.

SME100 is open to any small business that has been running for at least one year in the UK, with up to 50 full-time employees.

The businesses that are selected will be representative of the UK, both from a geographic and diversity perspective. Aligned to Sky’s 2025 targets, it is aimed that 20% of winners will come from a minority ethnic background.

Businesses can nominate themselves online and will be selected by an internal panel at Sky. All applicants to the scheme will also receive a £250 discount for any 24-month Sky Connect broadband and digital phone package.

Once selected, the 100 winning businesses will be put in touch with creative agencies in their local area to design and create their TV campaigns.

Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe, Sky, said: “Small British businesses are more important to the UK economy than ever before. The pandemic has hit them hard, and we want to ensure they can bounce back even stronger. Through the SME100 scheme we’re offering industry-leading products to help them stay connected to their customers and most importantly, increase their sales and revenue.”

The return of SME100 takes Sky’s contribution to more than £4.5 million in advertising support for small businesses since the start of the pandemic.

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