Halton Hills Receives a Second Round of Digital Main Street Funding to Help More Small Businesses

HALTON HILLS, ON – The Town of Halton Hills has received a $45,000 Digital Service Squad (DSS) grant to implement an additional phase of the Digital Main Street (DMS) program. An integral part of the municipality’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan to support local businesses, the success of the program led to a resolution by Town Council to renew and expand it.  DSS supports will be available early September and run until the end of February 2022.

“COVID-19 has caused significant hardship for our small businesses. Enhanced online tools are critical to assisting our businesses in interacting with their customers and to generate and maintain much needed revenue,” said Mayor Bonnette.

The additional phase of the program will allow more qualifying small businesses, (including those located beyond downtown main streets), to be eligible for the Digital Transformation Grant. While franchises, not-for-profits and co-working spaces are not eligible to apply for the Digital Transformation Grant, they can still receive assistance from the DSS. 

The first round of funding received in September 2020 enabled the Town to support nearly 70 small businesses in advancing their e-commerce efforts with approximately $50,000 in grants.

Renewed government funding of DMS’ Ontario Grants Program -- including investment from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade -- will provide 3,000 Digital Transformation Grants to qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses as well as DSS grants for organizations to provide hands-on assistance to local small businesses. The OGP is administrated by the Ontario BIA Association, in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA).

“Ontario small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction for Ontario. “Our government is committed to being there for them as they reopen. This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever.”

Digital Service Squad members will assist small businesses in a number of areas, including developing a Google My Business profile, enhancing their social media presence, and providing support for basic website and e-commerce set-up. Digital Service Squads will also assist those eligible small businesses with a physical storefront and under 50 employees to apply for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant administered through the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) . Digital Transformation Grants can be used towards new websites, software and hardware.

The deadline to apply for a Digital Transformation Grant is October 31, 2021. Business owners are encouraged to contact DMS@haltonhills.ca to set up a meeting with a DSS Member.

“In the past 14 months, as small businesses across the province fought to stay open and keep customers engaged online, DSS were there to help,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director of OBIAA. "Squads jumped online themselves during lockdowns to help virtually, and businesses have consistently told us how important the DSS were to their success through the pandemic.  We are thrilled to support Halton Hills’ DSS and help them provide assistance to more small businesses than ever.”

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 website.

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 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 Yellow Pages. 

Visit Digital Main Street website.