Web Presence Assistance
Highlights
This program is designed to help your business establish or upgrade its online presence. You can receive up to $2,500 in non-repayable contributions to create a new website or add e-commerce capabilities to an existing one. This funding can cover costs such as domain registration, website design, development, and hosting. It can also support social media and online advertising to help launch your new site.
Why should you apply? This program offers a significant financial boost without the burden of repayment. Unlike traditional loans, this assistance is a grant, meaning you won't have to worry about paying it back. By enhancing your online presence, you can reach more customers, increase sales, and improve your business's overall effectiveness.
What's in it for you? With a streamlined application process and support from Innovation PEI Business Development Officers, qualifying is straightforward. Approval can lead to increased visibility and revenue for your business, making it a valuable opportunity to grow and succeed in today's digital marketplace.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Non-repayable Contribution
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates as this is a non-repayable contribution.
Eligible Expenses:
- Registration of a domain name.
- Design, development, and hosting of a website.
- Website design may include e-commerce, search engine and mobile optimization, scheduling functions, voice technology, chatbot, social media integration, and other functions that improve the user experience and effectiveness of the website.
- Social media and online advertising to support the launch of the new website (if requested in the application and within the maximum contribution level).
Ineligible Expenses:
- Recurring advertising costs.
- H.S.T. payments.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be located in Prince Edward Island.
Must not have a website, or must be upgrading an existing website to add e-commerce for the first time.
Disqualifications:
- Applicants with an existing e-commerce website that wish to enhance e-commerce capability.
- Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation on file in the Province’s Central Default Registry.
- Businesses that received funding from Innovation PEI in the prior two years to support website development through Web Presence Assistance.
- Fishers, farmers, and realty companies (including commercial/residential landlords and developers).
- Banks and financial companies, including pawnbrokers, payday loan, cheque cashing, and white label cash machines.
- Applicants in default on any reporting, project completion, or financial obligation to Innovation PEI until a resolution to the default is reached.
Description
This program offers non-repayable contributions to help your business create or upgrade a website. You can receive up to $1,000 for a basic site or up to $2,500 for a site with e-commerce features.
You can use the funds for:
- Registering a domain name
- Designing, developing, and hosting a website
- Adding features like e-commerce, search engine optimization, and social media integration
- Online advertising to support the launch of your new site
The benefits are clear:
- Increase your online presence and reach more customers
- Boost your sales with an e-commerce platform
- Enhance user experience with modern website features
This program covers up to 50% of eligible costs, making it a great opportunity to improve your business’s digital footprint without a heavy financial burden.
Program Steps
Consult with a Business Development Officer: Contact an Innovation PEI Business Development Officer for guidance on the suitability of your project and the application process. This step can help ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:
- Full business name and contact information
- HST number, if applicable
- A detailed description of the project and how it will benefit your business
- An electronic or scanned copy of a written quote from an arm’s length web developer detailing services to be provided, or if you are creating the site yourself, a detailed listing of the expenses that will be incurred
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with all required information. Ensure that all sections are completed accurately to avoid delays in processing.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation. You can apply online, request a printable application form, or submit a hard copy application by mail or fax.
Await Confirmation: After submission, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received. Innovation PEI will notify you within ten business days whether your application is complete.
Review and Decision: Innovation PEI will review your complete application on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will be notified of the decision within ten to twenty business days.
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions: If approved, accept the full terms and conditions of the assistance. This acceptance, along with your application and request for payment, will form a contract between you and Innovation PEI.
Project Execution: Once approved, proceed with the project as outlined in your application. Ensure all expenses are documented and paid before requesting reimbursement.
Request for Payment: Submit a request for payment along with proof of incurred expenses as per the guidelines. Only direct costs paid will be reimbursed.
Performance Monitoring: Comply with any performance monitoring requirements as stipulated by Innovation PEI to ensure continued support and compliance with the program’s terms.
Following these steps will help you successfully apply for and benefit from the program.