The County of Brant is pleased to announce that it will once again offer digital support and coaching to local businesses as a result of a grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program. The program provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.
“The County is thrilled to receive a $95,095.00 grant from the Digital Main Street program to continue offering this service to the business community,” said Russell Press, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Having a strong online presence is critical for most businesses and increasingly important are the digital tools available to assist with the management of a business.”
Examples of one-on-one assistance includes:
- establishing social media platforms and a social media strategy
- setting up a Google Business Profile
- enhancing a website
- basic digital storefront setup
- 360⁰ photos
- establishing software for payroll or inventory management, and more
This is the fourth grant the County of Brant has received, totalling $188,245. To date, 46 local businesses have been supported through the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.
“If you operate a business within the County of Brant that has a brick-and-mortar commercial store and is open to the public, you are eligible to receive coaching from this program,” said Press.
Digital Service Squads offer trained specialists who meet with 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. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.
“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA). “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support the County of Brant’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across the County of Brant to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
