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A $50,000 grant from the Digital Main Street program will allow Port Colborne’s digital service squad to continue helping small businesses over the next two years.
“Since wrapping up the Digital Main Street program in Feb. 2022, we are very thankful to receive this new funding,” said Gary Long, manager of strategic initiatives. “It gives the economic development and tourism services division an opportunity to keep promoting the benefits of digital transformation through to 2024.”
Digital service squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street, with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment and introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. DSS members are also trained to help qualified small businesses develop their Digital Transformation Plan and then apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.
“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient and yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, executive director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Port Colborne’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and DSS assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities like Port Colborne to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
Brick-and-mortar small businesses in Port Colborne with an interest in Digital Main Street can start the process by visiting www.portcolborne.ca/digitalmainstreet. Follow-up meetings, which are being conducted virtually at this time, will be set up by the city’s DSS member, Tianna Thomas. The Digital Main Street program will run in Port Colborne until March 31, 2024.
About the City of Port Colborne
Located on the south coast of the scenic Niagara Region, with a mission to provide an exceptional small town experience in a big way, Niagara’s Port of Call has found the perfect balance – successful industrial and commercial sectors, comfortable and scenic residential areas, white sand beaches, unique culinary choices, the world class Sugarloaf Marina, fishing, golfing, trails, shopping districts along the historic Welland Canal and an energized festival and entertainment scene that includes live theatre – truly a community that adds to the overall Niagara experience. To learn how you can PORTicipate with us, visit our website.
ABOUT OBIAA
OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources, and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.
ABOUT Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and our Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, and Lightspeed. The program is delivered Pan Canada in support of small business thanks to the support of all three levels of government. www.digitalmainstreet.ca
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