Province providing support for businesses looking to expand online presence in Mississauga, Brampton and Ontario
Published July 19, 2021 at 7:08 pm
It’s been a difficult 16 months for many business owners, as pandemic-related restrictions have forced many entrepreneurs to adapt quickly and often as things constantly change.
One aspect that has been consistent, though, during this time, is the necessity of an online presence—many businesses that didn’t have one before, have been forced to get one in order to survive over the last year-and-a-half.
On Monday (July 19), the Province announced it would be providing additional supports for businesses struggling to build their online presence.
Dubbed the Digital Main Street program, the program includes an investment of $10 million, which will be used to help more than 13,000 businesses expand their digital presence and market their services online.
It will also provide small businesses with $2,500 in grants, technical training, and digital resources to help them reach more customers in person and online.
“Ontario small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, said in a news release.
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“Our government is committed to being there for them as they reopen. This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever,” she continued.
As part of the program, small businesses with brick-and-mortar locations and between one and 50 employees will be eligible to apply for $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants, which they can use to purchase new technology and digital services.
“Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities,” Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said in the same release.
“Through Digital Main Street, we’re giving business owners and operators the tools they need to strengthen their online presence, enhance technical skills and help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he continued.
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