The Downtown Beamsville BIA and the Town of Lincoln have received a $26,000 grant to help local businesses go online.
The grant, from Digital Main Street Ontario, will be used to create a Digital Service Squad, a team that will help small businesses implement digital technologies to help adapt to the changing business environment due to COVID-19.
Digital service squads are staffed trained specialists who will meet with small businesses, free of charge, to discuss online programs and services to add to their business model. They will also help qualified small businesses to apply for a $2500 digital transformation grant. The application process includes an online assessment, training modules, and the development of a digital transformation plan.
Other services offered by the squads include developing a Google My Business profile, advice on how to improve their social media presence, and support on website and e-commerce set-ups.
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said these services will give small businesses “the ability to gain the necessary resources to grow their online presence and stay competitive in today’s digital world.”
Digital Main Street Ontario was established in 2018 and recently extended with the help of government investment and funding. The program received $42.5 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and $7.5 million from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
The investment will allow Digital Main Street Ontario to help small businesses remain current and competitive by adding online business models to their operations. This will allow businesses to take advantage of the growing popularity of online shopping and an online business presence.
Learn More:
Press release on Town of Lincoln website.
Digital Main Street