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Business Link — Digital Economy Program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Digital transformation support for small businesses in Alberta
Expert Advice
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : July 3, 2024
- Closing date : August 16, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 49 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Activities funded
- Development and execution of digital marketing strategies to enhance online presence.
- Creation and optimization of a basic business website.
- Establishment and management of a Google Business Profile for improved local visibility.
- Design and implementation of email marketing campaigns and customer databases.
- Promotion of products and services through social media engagement and brand awareness initiatives.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 6,500
Developing a dynamic website and running digital marketing campaigns for brand growth
$ 6,000
Building a basic website for an online presence and lead generation
$ 4,500
Set up a Google Business Profile and optimize the website for better online presence
$ 5,200
Website optimization and Google Business Profile setup for better local search visibility
$ 3,500
Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for higher engagement and brand awareness
$ 5,000
Email marketing campaigns and social media promotion for customer engagement
Eligibility
- The business must be registered in Alberta (Alberta-based Indigenous businesses that are not registered may still be eligible).
- The business must have between 0 and 49 employees.
- The applicant must operate a for-profit business.
- Chains and franchises are not eligible.
Who is eligible?
- Alberta-based for-profit businesses
- Alberta-based Indigenous businesses (even if not registered)
Who is not eligible
- Chains and franchises.
Eligible expenses
- Support and services for digital marketing strategies to enhance online presence.
- Assistance with creating and optimizing a Google Business Profile.
- Email marketing support, including developing a customer database and designing email templates.
- Website development and optimization services to improve site functionality and search engine ranking.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses registered in Alberta.
- Alberta-based Indigenous businesses, including those not registered.
How to apply
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional information
- The program is scheduled to conclude in September 2024.
- The final application deadline is August 16, 2024.
- The program is delivered in partnership with Digital Main Street.
- A public list of program grant recipients is available for download.
