Business Link — Digital Economy Program
AB, Canada
Digital transformation support for small businesses in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 03, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 16, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Business Link
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get paired with a digital marketing consultant for free to help your small business adopt viable eCommerce practices, master digital tools, and take your business online.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to businesses registered in the province where the program is administered. It aims to support growth and development within this specific region, enhancing economic opportunities and digital capacities.
- Businesses registered in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$6,000
Toronto
Building a basic website for an online presence and lead generation
$3,500
Vancouver
Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for higher engagement and brand awareness
$5,200
Ottawa
Website optimization and Google Business Profile setup for better local search visibility
$5,000
Montreal
Email marketing campaigns and social media promotion for customer engagement
$4,500
Calgary
Set up a Google Business Profile and optimize the website for better online presence
$6,500
Halifax
Developing a dynamic website and running digital marketing campaigns for brand growth
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Digital Economy Program is determined by specific requirements related to the business's registration and size.
- Your business must be registered in Alberta. Alberta-based Indigenous businesses that are not registered may still be eligible.
- Your business must have 0-49 employees.
- Your business must be a for-profit business.
- Chains and franchises are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is specifically designed for small businesses that are registered in Alberta, with an inclusive eligibility for Alberta-based Indigenous businesses that are not registered. Eligible businesses must have between 0-49 employees and be for-profit. Chains and franchises are not eligible to apply for this grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies due to their specific business models and affiliations. The restrictions ensure that assistance is targeted towards independently owned small businesses.
- Chains and franchises are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Under this grant, small businesses in Alberta can access support to enhance their digital presence through expert assistance and strategic planning. The eligible activities focus on improving online marketing efforts and digital infrastructure.
- Developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies to boost engagement and brand awareness.
- Setting up and optimizing Google Business Profiles to increase online visibility.
- Creating and improving email marketing systems for lead generation and customer re-engagement.
- Building and optimizing websites to achieve better search engine rankings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Chains and franchises are ineligible for this grant.
- Chains
- Franchises
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Digital Economy Program grant has evaluation and selection criteria which are essential for the application process:
- Business must be registered in Alberta.
- Alberta-based Indigenous businesses that are not registered may still be eligible.
- 0-49 employees in the business.
- For-profit businesses are eligible; chains and franchises are ineligible.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure your business is registered in Alberta, or if you are an Indigenous business in Alberta not registered, confirm your eligibility.
- Verify that your business has 0-49 employees and is a for-profit entity.
- Step 2: Create an Account and Complete the Digital Assessment
- Visit the Digital Main Street website.
- Create an account to access the Digital Economy Program application portal.
- Complete the digital assessment to help determine your business needs.
- Step 3: Coordination with Digital Service Squad
- Wait to be contacted by a member of the Digital Service Squad after completing the assessment.
- Engage with the Digital Service Squad member to start developing your digital marketing strategy and receive guidance.
- Step 4: Submission of Complete Application
- Work with the Digital Service Squad member to finalize any required components for program offerings like website optimization, social media strategy, etc.
- Ensure all sections of your online profile and application are completed through the Digital Main Street portal.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is supported through a partnership between Business Link and Digital Main Street.
- The program acknowledges the traditional lands and territories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, reflective of the spirit of reconciliation.
- The Digital Service Squad will guide the participants throughout the development of their digital strategies.
Apply to this program
Boost Your Small Business's Digital Presence
The Digital Economy Program offers small businesses in Alberta an opportunity to enhance their online presence with free digital marketing support. Participating businesses can access resources to develop effective digital strategies and connect with broader audiences.
Transform Your Business with the Digital Economy Program
The Digital Economy Program is a strategic initiative designed to empower small businesses in Alberta to establish and extend their digital footprints in a rapidly evolving marketplace. This program is critical for small businesses looking to transition into the digital realm, opening up avenues to a larger customer base through comprehensive digital marketing solutions. Participants in the program are paired with a Digital Service Squad member who provides personalized guidance to optimize business practices and improve brand visibility online.
This program focuses on several key components integral to digital success. With support in optimizing social media, businesses can enhance their engagement and brand presence on platforms that are crucial for customer interaction today. Guidance on creating and optimizing a Google Business Profile ensures that businesses can be easily found on Google Maps, increasing foot traffic and visibility in local searches. This is crucial as an optimized Google presence can markedly enhance local engagement and customer visits.
Email marketing strategies, another critical facet of the program, allow businesses to build a robust customer database and design appealing email campaigns to reconnect with existing clients and attract new ones. This approach provides a cost-effective method for maintaining customer engagement and generating new leads.
Furthermore, website optimization training is offered, enabling businesses to either create a new website or enhance their current one. Guidance is provided on strategies to improve search engine rankings, a crucial step in increasing online visibility and attracting potential customers. This holistic approach ensures that businesses not only establish a presence but thrive in a competitive digital landscape.
Eligibility for the program is quite inclusive, targeted at small, for-profit businesses in Alberta with an employee count ranging from zero to forty-nine. Though chains and franchises do not qualify, the program is uniquely accessible to Indigenous businesses, even if they are not formally registered, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.
The Digital Economy Program stands out as a collaborative effort between Business Link and Digital Main Street, both of which bring extensive resources and expertise to the table to assist participants. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering digital literacy and helping Alberta's small business community succeed in a digital age.
In summary, the Digital Economy Program is not just an opportunity for businesses to explore digital avenues; it's a comprehensive support system that equips them with the tools and knowledge necessary to compete and prosper. By engaging with this program, businesses can expect to see significant improvements in their market reach, customer engagement, and overall digital competency, paving the way for future growth and innovation.
