Get the knowledge and skills to start, grow or join a digital business.

After a decade transforming UK tech, Tech Nation announces it will cease operations and seek to transfer its assets

After a decade as a government-backed organisation serving the UK scaleup tech ecosystem, we are today announcing that Tech Nation will be closing its doors from 31st March 2023. 

Please see read the full announcement here on our website

Tech Nation’s Digital Business Academy will maintain all of its courses until the 31st March 2023, and will cease its existing operations thereafter. You will have until 31st March to finish any modules you are currently participating in or for which you can register and can complete during the period from now until 31st March.

What is Digital Business Academy (DBA)?

The Digital business academy is the ultimate platform that helps you rethink how to do things. You will learn everything about Digital Marketing, Finance, and People management.

  • More than 90 courses available.
  • Each course takes around 15 minutes to complete.

DBA courses will give you tips from experts and powerful tech entrepreneurs that will help you obtain the digital skills you need to match your business goals.

More than 49,000 Learners on the Digital Business Academy.

START LEARNING TODAY
 

Types of courses

Reward yourself

A new skill is its own reward but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to give you a little extra motivation!
As you complete your learning, you will receive a certification and build up reward points that you can redeem for:

  • Internship Fast-Track
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Mentoring sessions
  • Free Desk Space
 

Success stories from our learners

Take a look at our new case studies and gain knowledge about the challenges and success from our learners, as well as a case study on one of our reward mentors who help entrepreneurs on their journey.

Learner Case Study

Natasha Melbourne-Telfer

Founder & Creative Director, Creative Core Caribbean

“Above all, I have gained more trust that my skills can be of service to others, and this is a wonderful personal achievement.”

Mentor Case Study

Subhash R. Ghosh

Entrepreneur, Tech Advisor and Venture Builder

“It offers a
unique opportunity for people across the globe to access loads of information and knowledge on how to start, grow or join a digital enterprise.”

Learner Case Study

Cameron Smith

Founder of Unwaste

“DBA helped us take stock of our early anxieties and find advice that didn’t just give us the answers, but rather gave us the tools to work out the best course of action for ourselves.”

Learner Case Study

Ocheikwu John Agbo

Industrial Physics, Federal  University of Agriculture Makurdi

“The learnings and resources available have given me the confidence in the areas of strategic leadership in the non-profit and for-profit organisations I am involved with.”

Frequently asked questions

Courses

Q: Are there prerequisites or language requirements?

A: There are no prerequisites. Our courses are open to students of all backgrounds who are 16 years of age and older. All courses are conducted in English. Videos are in English and include the option to slow-down, pause, or replay lectures for better retention.

Q: Do I need any qualifications to take the courses?

A: There are no prerequisites. Our courses are open to students of all backgrounds who are 16 years of age and older. All courses are conducted in English. Videos are in English and include the option to slow-down, pause, or replay lectures for better retention.

Q: How much time should I expect to devote to each course?

A: We’ve designed our courses to be flexible: they can be completed online at your own pace, in your own time, from any UK location. A typical course consists of a single page with different elements, each made up of bite-sized video clips, text and images that may take about 15 minutes to view and read. Courses are grouped into Skills. Each skill covers a major topic and is made up of 4-6 Courses.

Q: Do I have to complete all of the courses?

No. Our courses are free to be taken in any order, at any time. You can jump into a course that looks interesting then choose your own next steps. However, for best results, we recommend working through all the courses in a skill. That way you can be sure that you have picked up a fuller understanding of the area. Basically, it’s up to you.

Q: Can I take more than one course at the same time?

A: Yes, go for it! We don’t restrict the number of courses you can take at one time.

Q: I need to take an extended break from the course. Can I finish later?

A: Yes, you can finish when it suits you: there’s no time limit for completing a course.

Q: How can I find out more about a particular course before it starts?

A: You can find course overviews for all of the courses in the text underneath them.

Q: Can I download the course video?

A: No. The videos for the courses are available for you to stream at any time but at present cannot be downloaded by you.

Q: Will completing the courses guarantee me a job at the end?

A: Our courses are designed to give you the skills to thrive in digital business, but we can’t guarantee you a job. We are, however, collaborating with a number of businesses offering potentially career-making opportunities, such as fast track to final interviews for paid internships: you can see a list of those offering this opportunity here. Those who complete the required courses can apply for these internship interviews, and our partners will then decide whether to fast track the applicant to interview. Moreover, our collaboration with accelerators around the UK means that those completing the required courses will be able to apply to attend exclusive recruitment events offering opportunities to meet start-ups. These opportunities will be advertised on our site as the dates for these events are confirmed.

Q: Will more courses become available to people in the UK?

A: Yes. We are always seeking to develop more courses on topics you care about. If you have an idea for a course, why not get in touch.

Q: How can I find out more about the particular topics that are covered?

A: You can find course overviews next to every course, but the best way is to dive in and start exploring.

Q: Is there a particular order in which I have to take the courses?

A: Our online courses have been designed to be complementary, and together they cover the key business skills you’ll need in the early part of the lifecycle of a digital business. If you complete all 80+ courses, you will have a solid grounding in many of the skills useful to new entrepreneurs.
You can take the courses in whatever order you like. For those who want a bit more guidance, try working through one of our ‘Subjects’, which provide a guided package of courses on a particular theme like marketing & sales, brand & communications or ideas & products. For the free thinkers among you. Start anywhere, go everywhere! The startup world is your oyster.

Certificates & Badges

Q: What is the significance of my skill certificate?

A: You’ll be awarded digital certificates (PDF) for finishing each of our 16 skills. To complete a skill, you need to complete all of the courses within it. This means 4-6 courses depending on which skill you choose.

Q: Will the course certificates count towards my University application?

A: Our skills are for those who want to either start, run or join a digital business, and don’t count towards university credits. The skills you’ll gain will stand you in good stead, whatever you choose to study.

Q: Where is my certificate?

A: You will be able to find your certificate on the ‘Certificates‘ tab in the dashboard.

Rewards

Q: What rewards can I apply for?

A: The rewards available to you depend on how many points you have earned. The more courses you complete, the more reward points you will have to spend.You can see a full list of rewards and their required points totals by clicking on the Rewards tab in the dashboard after signing in.

Q: How do I apply for a reward?

A: Click on the Rewards tab in the dashboard after signing in. From there, you will see a list of all rewards and how many points you need to apply for them. Simply choose the ones you want to apply for and confirm your submission.

Q: How do I know if I have received the reward or not?

A: Our reward partner will contact you directly at your given email address to let you know if your application is successful.

Q: Who decides who will receive the reward?

A: For the most part it is up to the business offering the reward, as to who will receive the reward. The team at Digital Business Academy may help in the decision-making process based on the applications they receive.

Q: Can I exchange my reward for another one?

A: Our rewards are non-transferable.

Community

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: Our courses have been designed for anyone aged 18 or over who is keen to learn the skills to start, run or join a digital business. That being said, there are no restrictions on those younger than 18 wishing to join a course.

Q: Can I sign into the site using my social login?

A: Yes, you can sign in using your Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn login.

Q: What if I can’t find the answer to my questions within the FAQ section?

A: You can email us at dba@technation.io. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Technical Support

Q: How do I log in?

A: If you are already registered, login via the ‘Sign In’ link at the top right of the home page. If not, first subscribe and you will be provided with login details.

Q: I forgot my password, how can I reset it?

A: If you have forgotten your password you can reset it by going to the password recovery page. Then just follow the instructions and we will send you an email with a link to reset your password.

Q: Which browser/computer equipment do I need?

A: DBA should work on all modern web browsers, mobiles, laptops and tablets.

Q: How can I get help with a technical problem or report an error in the course material?

A: If you have a technical problem to report send an email to dba@technation.io.

Q: How can I change the name or email address on my account?

A: Once you have logged in, you can change your name or email address on your account through the ‘My Profile’ option on the main drop down menu.

Q: How can I stop or start receiving emails?

A: You may, from time to time, receive emails from the DBA team relating to new courses we think you might be interested in or if you have not been active on the course for a while. If you don’t want to receive any or all of these emails just contact dba@technation.io and let us know.

Q: How do I deactivate my account?

A: If you would like to deactivate your account just contact dba@technation.io and let us know and we will delete your account and let you know when it’s done.

Q: Can I complete the courses on my mobile phone or tablet?

A: Yes, you can complete DBA courses on mobile phones and tablets if they have web access and a modern browser.

Q: What happens to my data when I sign up to the courses?

A: All data is held on a secure server and subject to data protection legislation. Our server is protected and regularly patched for security.

If you have any questions, get in touch: dba@technation.io

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