Digital Main Street – ShopHere
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for small businesses and artists like yours. It offers a unique opportunity to create and manage an online store, which is crucial in today's digital age. You will receive hands-on assistance to set up and launch your online store, ensuring it reflects your brand and meets your needs.
Key benefits include:
- Free 90-day trial of Shopify
- $100 ad credits for Facebook and Google
- Free .CA domain registration
- Personalized training on digital marketing, shipping, and inventory management
By participating, you can expand your reach to a global audience, increase sales, and streamline your operations. The program is easy to qualify for and provides one-on-one support from an e-Commerce Coordinator, making the transition to online sales smooth and efficient. This is a valuable chance to grow your business with minimal upfront costs.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- This grant does not require repayment. There are no interest rates associated with this grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- Costs related to creating and configuring your online store.
- Training expenses for managing the online store.
- Marketing expenses to promote the online store.
- Costs associated with getting the store live.
Ineligible Expenses:
- The funds cannot be used for ongoing operational costs unrelated to the online store.
- The grant cannot be used for personal expenses or any non-business-related activities.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant. However, businesses will be responsible for the monthly Shopify fee after the initial 90-day trial.
Qualifications
- Must be a registered business or a registered non-profit organization.
- Must have a commercial location or be home-based.
- Must have fewer than ten employees, or fewer than 25 employees if a restaurant or bar.
- Must be located in Ontario.
Can be a business or an artist.
Disqualifications:
- Corporate chains or franchises.
Description
This program helps your business create and manage an online store. You get hands-on assistance to set up your store, making it easy to start selling online. The program includes training on digital marketing, shipping, and inventory management to help you run your online store smoothly.
You receive a free 90-day trial of Shopify, which means you can start without any initial costs. Additionally, you get ad credits worth $100 for Facebook and Google and a free .CA domain registration. These benefits help you reach more customers and grow your online presence.
The best part is that the program is free to join. You only need to cover the monthly Shopify fee after the 90-day trial. This program is a great opportunity to expand your business online with minimal upfront costs.
Program Steps
Sign Up for the Program:
- Visit the program's official website.
- Complete the online registration form with your business details.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather necessary documents, such as:
- Business registration details
- Proof of business location (commercial or home-based)
- Employee count verification
- Any additional documents specific to your business type (e.g., restaurant license if applicable)
- Gather necessary documents, such as:
Submit Application:
- Upload the prepared documents to the application portal.
- Ensure all fields in the application form are filled out accurately.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
Await Approval:
- After submission, wait for the program administrators to review your application.
- Be prepared to provide any additional information if requested.
Participate in Program Activities:
- Once approved, engage in the program's activities such as training sessions and workshops.
- Work with the assigned e-Commerce Coordinator to set up and customize your online store.
Launch Your Online Store:
- Follow the guidance provided to launch your online store.
- Utilize the marketing support and tools offered by the program to promote your store.
Ongoing Support:
- Take advantage of ongoing training and support for digital marketing, shipping, and inventory management.
- Stay updated with any new resources or tools provided by the program.