Digital Main Street – Digital Service Squad Grant

The Digital Service Squad Grant (DSSG) Program, offered by Digital Main Street, provides funding and support to help Ontario-based local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, and Small Business Enterprise Centers in leveraging technology to assist small businesses. The grant supports eligible expenses such as equipment, staff wages, marketing materials, and more to facilitate digital adoption.

The Digital Service Squad Grant (DSSG) Program is a key initiative by Digital Main Street (DMS), aimed at helping brick-and-mortar small businesses across Ontario navigate the complexities of digital transformation. This program not only offers funding but also provides training and advisory support to local business communities. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the digital capabilities of small businesses through local Digital Service Squad members, who will deliver hands-on assistance to these businesses. ### Eligibility Criteria for the Digital Service Squad Grant One of the main considerations when diving into the DSSG program is understanding the eligibility criteria. The grant is open to applicants that meet one of the following requirements: - A local Business Improvement Area (BIA) located in Ontario. - A municipality, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade, or Small Business Enterprise Centre located in Ontario. - Collaborative partnerships that include a municipality, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade, and/or Small Business Enterprise Centre can also apply through one of the aforementioned entities. It’s critical to note that this grant opportunity is not extended to small businesses directly but to the entities that support them. ### What Can Be Funded? The DSSG provides financial support for various expenditures, ensuring that local squads are well-equipped to assist small businesses effectively. Here’s an exhaustive breakdown of eligible and ineligible costs: #### Eligible Costs: 1. **Equipment**: - Chromebooks or equivalent devices to facilitate digital work. - 360-degree camera kits including the Ricoh Theta V 360 Degree Camera or equivalent, Anker Battery Pack or equivalent, and a tripod or equivalent. - Mobile Hot Spots or equivalent up to a maximum of $200 (note that monthly service costs are not included and are not eligible). 2. **Marketing**: - Costs associated with printing and distributing marketing materials such as postcards and flyers that promote the service locally. 3. **Travel Costs**: - Travel expenses incurred for covering multiple cities or outlier areas based on the posted provincial mileage rate. 4. **Communication**: - Cell phone costs for squad members up to a maximum of $50 per month. 5. **Health Safety**: - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if necessary. 6. **Software and Platform Fees**: - Fees for using platforms like Zoom for remote communications and training. 7. **Salaries and Wages**: - Salary, wages, or contract fees for squad members, with a preference for graduate or undergraduate students. #### Ineligible Costs: 1. **Unnecessary or Excessive Equipment**: Expenses should be justified and reasonable. 2. **Personal Salaries**: Existing team members' salaries cannot be funded. 3. **Repayment of Loans or Past Debts**: These financial liabilities are not covered. 4. **Software Costs**: New software purchases or the cost of repairing existing equipment. 5. **Existing Equipment Repairs**: Maintenance or repair costs for currently owned equipment. For a comprehensive list of ineligible costs and responsibilities, refer to the DSS FAQs provided by Digital Main Street. ### Application Process Although the application portal is currently closed due to exhausted funds, understanding the application process is crucial for future opportunities. Typically, the application involves: 1. **Pre-Qualification**: - Ensuring that your organization meets the eligibility criteria. 2. **Form Submission**: - Completing and submitting the application form through the Digital Main Street portal. 3. **Review Process**: - Applications are reviewed, and successful applicants are notified. 4. **Funding and Reporting**: - Once granted, regular monthly reporting over six months is required to ensure proper use of funds and track progress. ### The Importance of Digital Adoption The digital landscape is continuously evolving, and for small businesses, staying up-to-date with technological advancements is a matter of survival. The DSSG program is pivotal in ensuring that local business support entities can guide and assist small businesses through this transition. By hiring and equipping Digital Service Squad members, these organizations can offer personalized support to businesses, helping them with essential digital tools and strategies to improve their online presence, streamline operations and reach a broader customer base. ### Training and Advisory Support Beyond the financial aid, the DSSG program emphasizes training and advisory support. This involves workshops, one-on-one sessions with digital experts, and ongoing support to ensure businesses make effective use of the digital tools available to them. Training programs often include topics like e-commerce setup, digital marketing strategies, cybersecurity practices, and the use of digital payment systems. ### Impact of the Digital Service Squad Program Since its inception, the DSSG program has had a notable impact on Ontario’s small business landscape. By facilitating digital adoption, the program has enabled numerous small businesses to: 1. **Enhance Online Presence**: Through creating and improving websites and social media profiles. 2. **Increase Sales**: Via e-commerce platforms and digital marketing initiatives. 3. **Improve Operational Efficiency**: By adopting digital tools for inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and more. 4. **Gain Digital Confidence**: Business owners become more comfortable with technology, leading to sustained growth and innovation. ### Conclusion The Digital Service Squad Grant Program is a cornerstone of Digital Main Street's mission to revitalize Ontario’s main street small businesses through technology. By providing grants, training, and advisory support, the program empowers local business support entities to lead the charge in digital transformation. Although the current application cycle is closed, staying informed and prepared can position your organization to take advantage of future opportunities. Remember, the digital evolution of small businesses is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in a competitive and increasingly online world. For more information on the Digital Service Squad Grant Program, visit the Digital Main Street website and review their detailed FAQs and resources.