Small Business Digitization Services | Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI's Small Business Digitization Initiative: Digital Solutions for Tomorrow's Business

Embrace the future with WPI's Business School and its Small Business Digitization Initiative (SBDI). Tailored for small businesses and non-profits adapting to the post-COVID-19 world, this program offers free, expert-led digital transformation services. Partnering with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) at Clark University and the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) in Westborough, we help businesses shift from traditional operations to advanced digital platforms, ensuring seamless online customer engagement.

Our unique approach combines a regional network of resources, skilled WPI students and faculty, and a triage strategy for effective digital integration. Join us in reimagining your business for the digital era.

Websites

Unlock your business's potential with our custom website solutions. We specialize in crafting responsive, engaging, and SEO-optimized websites that serve as a digital storefront for your brand, ensuring a compelling online presence that drives results.

SEO & SEM

Boost your online visibility with our integrated SEO & SEM services. Our approach to Search Engine Optimization ensures your website ranks high in search results, connecting you with the right audience. Simultaneously, our Search Engine Marketing strategies optimize your online ads to increase reach and drive targeted traffic to your site. Together, they create a powerful online presence that captures and converts

Ecommerce

Streamline your online sales with our comprehensive e-commerce services. From user-friendly storefronts to secure payment solutions, we empower your business to thrive in the competitive digital marketplace, enhancing customer experience and boosting revenue.

Mobile App Development

Expand your reach and enhance customer engagement with our Mobile App Development service. Tailored to your brand's needs, we design and develop intuitive, high-performing mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms. From ideation to launch, our apps are crafted to deliver a seamless and interactive user experience, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Consulting

Elevate your digital strategy with our expert consulting services. Our team provides insights and actionable plans to optimize your online operations, from digital marketing to process automation, ensuring sustainable growth and a stronger digital footprint.

Elevate your brand's social media presence with our comprehensive Social Media Management service. We handle everything from content creation to community engagement, ensuring your profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn resonate with your audience. Our data-driven strategies aim to grow your following, increase engagement, and enhance your brand's social footprint.

Accolades From Clients

Awayte.com

WPI Students Innovative Automation Solution for Website Inquiries, Lauded by CEO Diane Quinn

The WPI student team was able to recommend a viable core solution to automate customized initial responses to all incoming inquiries from our website by assessing various tool capabilities in the market, subscription plan costs versus budget, and easy integration among the suite of tools needed to accomplish this objective. CEO Diane Quinn - Awayte.com

Bratt Sports

WPI Students Exceed Expectations in Project, Praised by Bratt Sports GM Dan Genis

The work performed by the student team exceeded my expectations in terms of professionalism, quality, and timeliness. I also would add that the students were a delight to work with. - Dan Genis, General Manager, Bratt Sports

brattsports.com

At SBDI, we believe in the power of digital innovation to not only redefine businesses but to also ignite community growth. Our mission is to turn digital dreams into reality, ensuring every small business and non-profit has the tools to thrive in today's digital world.

Assistant Dean of Business Programs

Sandhya Balasubramanian

Jackson Nguyen '26

BS in Biochemistry

Pre-med student, Jackson, discovers ways he can find his community on campus and prepare for a career in the health sciences. [...]

Sophia Kouznetsov '26

BS in Psychological & Cognitive Sciences, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

While working on her research and academic goals, Sophia stays active by pursuing her love of dance and other extra-curricular activities.[...]

Jack Adiletta '25

BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Data Science

WPI’s expansive opportunities allow Jack to participate in many different sporting activities while also supporting his learning and research endeavors. [...]

Frequently Asked Questions

SBDI is dedicated to aiding small businesses in developing their digital presence and assisting non-profits and medium-sized businesses in enhancing operational efficiency. Our goal is to empower these organizations to thrive in a digital landscape.

Our services include:

Web Presence: Offering website design consultation and creation, SEO enhancement, logo design, scheduling system modifications, and eCommerce improvements.
Digital Marketing Support: Providing social media consultancy, SEO improvement, digital asset creation, and management of social media campaigns.
Custom Digitization Support: Tailoring solutions like scheduling system updates and eCommerce enhancements to meet specific needs.

SBDI offers a free initial consultation to understand your specific needs. For Worcester-based small businesses, we provide complimentary support and training as part of our community commitment. The cost for project development varies based on the scope and requirements of each project, which will be discussed in detail during our initial consultation sessions. Our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality digital solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

Our team consists of WPI students and faculty, who are well-versed in web development, SEO optimization, business digitization, social media strategy, and graphic design. They continuously enhance their skills through specialized courses, ensuring our clients receive high-quality service.

Post-launch, we assist clients in managing content updates, troubleshooting website or e-commerce issues, and provide guidance on maintaining their digital tools. We also offer training and direct clients to resources for ongoing support.

We prioritize confidentiality with all client information. Our tools and methods adhere to industry standards to ensure the security and integrity of your digital products and services.

Yes, SBDI provides comprehensive content development support. This includes creating engaging and relevant content for websites, social media platforms, and digital marketing materials to effectively communicate your brand message and values.