Digital Services
Digital Main Street is an innovative program funded by the federal and provincial governments. All components of the program are offered free to qualifying businesses. It's designed to help small businesses create or improve their existing online presence. The program is built around an online learning platform and structured training programs.
Also offering free e-commerce website development and a $2500 Digital Transformation Grant, the program is supported by a local Digital Specialist to help you transform your business into a more technologically savvy enterprise.
All offerings are completely FREE.
Bookings available with our convenient and flexible scheduling. First-come first-served.
Your Digital Specialist Cyndy Bolton
Digital Specialist Cyndy possesses the skills and experience businesses need to grow their presence online. Begin your digital adoption journey by participating in free one-on-one consultations that cultivate your digital knowledge.
Boost your confidence while working with our Specialist. It’s like having your own free one-stop-digital shop that also helps you access grant money to grow. Chat with Cyndy and determine your next steps. She offers on-site or live virtual meeting options with a flexible schedule to meet your needs.
Get help with:
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Canva
- E-commerce, Web & Content development
- Digital assessments
- Google Business Profile
- Free online marketing tools
- Applying for 'digital' grants
Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) - $2,500
The Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program is designed to assist small businesses with adoption of technologies. In addition to a $2,500 grant, the program will provide training advisory and support to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation.
Must be a business that:
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Has a permanent ‘brick-and-mortar’ establishment in Ontario
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Is employing 1 - 50 employees. A sole proprietor counts as 1 employee
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Is paying commercial property tax (commercially assessed), either directly or through commercial rent
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Is a current registered business in Ontario and/or is incorporated
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Is open for business/operating at the time of application
Owned by:
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An Ontario resident operating a business in Ontario
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An individual of 18 years of age or older at the time of application
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A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Canadian Digital Adoption Program Grant (CDAP)
- Grow Your Business Online $2,400
The Grow Your Business Online grant will help small businesses across Ontario take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies.
Must be a business that:
- Is a for-profit business
- Is a registered or incorporated business
- Is a consumer-facing business and can be accessed by end-use consumers or provides in-person services to consumers
- Has at least one employee on payroll that isn’t the owner or a contractor (full time or part time, but for at least three months prior to application) OR has had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.
ShopHERE Program
Powered by Google and in partnership with Digital Main Street, the ShopHere program creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost. In addition, participants also receive 1:1 support from an online e-Commerce Coordinator, support includes training in digital marketing, shipping, and inventory management, and gain free access to benefits and tools from partners.
Program Testimonials
Westport Brewing Company, Westport
Tamara Phillips & Kevin Quinlan
"Across the board, it has transformed our business overnight."
Poplars Resort, Newboro
Becky & Dave Thompson
"The impact of these programs has been immeasurable in a very short period of time," We were able to develop an off-season marketing campaign to strengthen our business."
Golden Moment Farm, Athens
John & Norma Banford
"It was a pleasure working with the Specialist to talk about improvements to our website and using social media to enhance our business. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly."
Case Study: Seasons of Westport, Lori Reynen
The village of Westport has always benefitted from swarms of Americans seeking to capitalize on the exchange rate while they vacation at the head of the navigable Rideau Canal. But the summer of 2020 seemed to promise something different for businesses like Seasons of Westport, Lori Reynen’s women fashion and accessory shop.
“We thought last year would be really disastrous with the Americans not being able to come,” says Reynen.
Contact our Digital Services Team Member Now!
For more information on the Leeds Grenville program and to connect with our Digital Services Specialist,
contact Leeds Grenville Business Development Officer Shelbi McFarlane:
Email: shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca or Phone: 613-342-3840, ext. 5361.
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