In this time of unforeseen challenges, business owners need to make significant changes to survive. For many SMEs, retooling themselves for remote work is the only solution – and that is easier said than done. Business owners worry about communication problems, employee isolation, data security issues, and diminished productivity. But these challenges can be solved with the right technology and a few best practices. 

Further, there are business benefits of remote work that extend beyond weathering the coronavirus storm. Additionally, digital tools can help avoid a complete economic halt for SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis. Having the ability to go digital became a matter of life and death as it was seen all over the world. Many SMEs who demonstrated their ability to change their business model survived, many others could not stay afloat. 

As with every business, SMEs differ in size, industry, and level of experience. No matter the differences, going digital is proven to be an essential advantage pre and post COVID-19 crisis. Digitalization and digital tools can help SMEs reduce costs, standardize, and automate business processes and reduce the reliance on manpower. Moreover, going digital will enhance SMEs' competitiveness and understand of consumer behaviors. 

The project aims to help SMEs (SMEs, managers, employees, new entrepreneurs and low skilled adults) adjust and adapt to the new normal by improving their digital skills and remote working skills. To achieve the objectives of the project, the partnership will develop SMEs needs specific learning solution integrating 3 IOs: 

IO1 The “new normal” curriculum ( The aim of the syllabus is to define the framework for developing of the training content in the online training platfrom under the IO3. ) IO2 HANDBOOK FOR ADULT STAFF IO3: The “new normal” online training platform Each partner will be responsible involved in the creation of content Training digital materials, which will be divided into 5 thematic parts. The project will design a online training course and a handbook to help SMEs and SMEs’ employees to respond to a “new normal” that is changing day by day.

Many companies are relying on “working from home” arrangements for the first time. Some are thriving while others are struggling to adapt. The projects’ output will provide timely assistance to the target group. Target group The project’s target group is primarily the SMEs, SMEs' employees, managers, employees, new entrepreneurs and low skilled adults 

Consortium:

• FH JOANNEUM GESELLSCHAFT MBH – Austria ( leader )
• KEK TEHNIKES SHOLES EPIMELITIRIOU IRAKLEIOU – Greece
• GRANTXPERT CONSULTING LIMITED – Cyprus
• Athens Lifelong Learning Institute Civil Non Profit Organisation – Greece
• FUNDACION UNIVERSIDAD FRANCISCO DE VITORIA - Spain