Town Receives Grant to Extend the Digital Main Street Program into 2023

HALTON HILLS, ON – The Town of Halton Hills has received an additional round of funding for the Digital Main Street (DMS) Program to continue digital support services to small businesses. The $98,000 Digital Service Squad (DSS) Grant awarded last month will allow the municipality to employ a DMS Coordinator to provide personalized one-on-one support and administer other DMS programs to brick-and mortar small businesses until the end of 2023.

“Our businesses have been able to find great value from the services provided through the Digital Main Street Program over the past few years,” said Mayor Bonnette. “Given that our local businesses are still feeling the impacts of the pandemic and COVID-19 is still in the forefront of our minds, I’m very pleased that we are able to continue the program.”

The Town previously received two DMS grants; one in 2020 for 10 weeks and one in 2021 for six months. The programs have supported over 130 businesses and helped business owners access $150,000 in grants to help them upgrade their digital technologies.

Qualified small businesses can apply for $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants (DTG) from June to October 31, 2022 (or until grant funds are exhausted). Eligibility requirements include under 50 employees, a physical brick-and-mortar location and paying commercial property tax. Previous recipients of a DTG prior to June 30, 2021 may apply again provided all DTG reports have been received and verified by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA). Other eligibility requirements can be found on the Digital Main Street website.

“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, 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 Halton Hill’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

The DMS Coordinator can assist small businesses in a number of areas, including developing a Google Business Profile, enhancing their social media presence, and providing support for basic website and e-commerce set-up.

More information about the Halton Hills Digital Main Street program and setting up a meeting with the DMS Coordinator can be found on Investhaltonhills.com/DMS.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

Visit the Town of Halton Hills website

About OBIAA

OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association, incorporated in 2001, 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. Visit OBIAA

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. 

Visit Digital Main Street