Nearly a half million dollars is being provided by the province to help small businesses in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
The province has launched its Digital Main Street Program to help local organizations build and expand their online presence, and help them stay on their feet with government closures still in place.
Since the program was announced, a total of $487,345 has been provided to businesses in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes by Ontario in Digital Service and Business Grants.
“Eastern Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our community,” MPP Steve Clark said. “The Digital Service Squads are helping our businesses transition online, allowing them to access new customers safely and reliably. By choosing to shop local we are helping our businesses stay viable and improve their competitiveness.”
Digital Service Squads across the province are already on track to help thousands of small businesses across Ontario develop their online presence.
They are an important part of the Digital Main Street platform expected to help up to 22,900 Ontario businesses create and enhance their online presence and generate jobs for more than 1,400 individuals.
“The collaborative effort of the region’s five Digital Service Squads has ensured all small businesses in Leeds Grenville had access to the programs,” Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Ann Weir said. “We are still able to assist those interested today.”
Currently, only about 60 percent of Ontario’s small enterprises have a website, and only 7 percent accept online payment.
Through Digital Main Street, Ontario businesses are adopting new tools that will allow them to reach a wider customer base and help them weather the economic impacts of COVID-19.
For more information on the program, head here.
