Through build, we connect Scottish businesses with rising tech talent to get real projects done, giving Scottish founders the practical digital support they need to turn ideas into action. In doing so, we give tomorrow’s tech talent the real-world experience they need to take their first steps into a tech career.
We don't just tell you what technology you should use. We build it.
Across Scotland, small businesses are sitting on digital projects they haven’t had the time, budget, or in-house skills to tackle. Websites go unbuilt. Manual processes stay manual. Ideas that could genuinely move the business forward stay on the to-do list.
Introducing build, a Digital Boost and CloudCrew initiative, that exists to close that gap. Businesses get a real project delivered by someone with the skills & motivation to do it well. We match your business with emerging tech talent ready to take on the project, hands-on, from start to finish, entirely free.
How it works
A real project
Real, hands-on delivery of a project that will move your business forwards.
Hands-on, every step
Your project team will be supported by experienced mentors & coaches, so you can trust the process
Free, from start to finish
This project is fully-funded by the UK Government’s TechFirst initiative, so there’s no cost to you!
Support you can rely on
Ongoing support from Digital Boost means you can continue to grow after the project has been delivered.
What we can build for you
Fill out the diagnostics below to tell us what your biggest challenges are, and to see what we can build for you.
Improve your online presence
Get more customers finding you, and buying from you with a refreshed website, better online sales, and AI-driven follow-ups.
Reduce admin
Take repetitive work off your plate with an AI assistant for customer queries, automated admin tasks, or one system for everything else.
Protect your business from cyber threats
Find out exactly how protected your business really is, then close the gaps properly, with a full audit, and careful, batch-by-batch fixes.
Organise your data
Turn your scattered spreadsheets and systems into data you can properly trust, or build a live dashboard, AI reporting, or whatever's next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you doing this?
Small businesses across the country need digital skills they often don’t have in-house and can’t afford to pay for. At the same time, there are many people trying to build a career in tech who have strong skills but just need a genuine opportunity to prove themselves. Build was created as part of a UK Government initiative to bring those two things together, so businesses get real support and future tech talent gets real experience, at the same time.
Who are CloudCrew and Digital Boost?
Digital Boost is the people-powered business support community that’s already helped over 40,000 thousands of small businesses grow through free mentoring and support.
CloudCrew is a community-driven organisation helping people move into tech careers. They aim to bridge the gap between learning and employment by this providing work experience and industry mentoring, at scale.
How do I apply?
Complete our diagnostic and let us know which projects you’d like to apply for. We’ll review your application and let you know if we need any more information.
At the moment, Build is only open to founders in Scotland and we have limited spaces for this pilot.
What happens when I'm accepted?
Once you’re accepted, you’ll be introduced to your project team from the Cloud Crew. You’ll have a 2-week discovery period, during which you’ll share more information on your business, what you hope to achieve, and what you’ve done so far, and share any inputs. At the end of the two weeks, the team will start building the project, in two week sprints. They’ll check progress with you at the end of each sprint. In total, the project could take up to 90 days.
Who is delivering the projects?
The projects will be led by the Cloud Crew CIC, who are experienced in bridging the gap between learning and tech employment.
They recruit emerging skilled talent who want to get real-life experience they can put in their portfolios as they build their careers in tech.
Cloud Crew staff and mentors will oversee and coach all junior talent, ensuring that projects are completed to quality, and Digital Boost will be here to support along the way.
How can I ensure the project will be high quality?
Cloud Crew staff and mentors will oversee and coach all junior talent, ensuring that projects are completed to a high quality. You will also be involved and reviewing at 2-week intervals, so you can flag if anything isn’t right.
What is expected of me?
To help keep the project moving smoothly and to ensure you get the right final result, we ask you to commit to:
- Project approval at the 2-week review
- Attendance at fortnightly check-ins
- Answers to questions and requests from the team within three working days
- Attendance at a halfway check-in
What support will I get along the way?
Cloud Crew staff and mentors will oversee and coach all junior talent, so you won’t need to manage anyone. You’ll also receive resources and learning materials from Digital Boost to help you with the project and making the most of it after delivery.
How much does this cost?
This is 100% free! This project is part of TechFirst, an UK Government initiative, and is being delivered by Digital Boost and CloudCrew.
How long does a typical project take to deliver?
This depends entirely on the size and complexity of what you need done. Some projects wrap up in a few weeks, others take up to 3 months. We’ll agree a realistic timeline with you before the project begins.
Is this only open to founders in Scotland?
Yes, build currently operates in Scotland, connecting local businesses with tech talent in the region.