Open
Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program
Funding for Ontario small businesses going digital
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program supports brick-and-mortar small businesses in Ontario with training, advisory support, and funding for digital transformation. Eligible activities include digital marketing, website improvements, software, digital training, and necessary hardware.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-50 employees
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Digital marketing initiatives.
- Website redesign or development.
- Software adoption for digital operations.
- Digital training and skills development.
- Digital transformation planning and implementation.
Documents Needed
- Commercial tax bill, or landlord letter or lease showing commercial taxes are paid.
- Business Number, Articles of Incorporation, Master Business License, or business registration.
- Photos of the exterior storefront and interior business operations.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small brick-and-mortar businesses in Ontario.
- Registered businesses or incorporated businesses.
- Consumer-facing businesses open to the general public.
- Businesses that have completed the Digital Main Street assessment and training.
Who is not eligible
- Home-based businesses.
- Wholesalers, manufacturers, and purely online businesses.
- Franchises, not-for-profit organizations, and shared-workspace or temporary office tenants.
- Large corporations with more than 50 staff.
Eligible expenses
- Digital marketing services.
- Website redesign, improvement, or new website development.
- Software, including graphic design, productivity, social media, and security tools.
- Digital training courses.
- Necessary hardware, up to $1,000.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchases made before grant approval.
- Microsoft Office, website hosting, domain renewal, and software subscription renewal.
- Signage, printing, logo redesign, and rebranding.
- Unnecessary or excessive equipment, including upgrades to existing equipment.
- Owner or employee salaries, land, building, or vehicle purchases.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- OBIAA reviews the application.
- Approved applicants receive an agreement to be signed by the business owner and OBIAA.
- The grant is released after the signed agreement is received.
Additional information
- French translation assistance is available on request.
- OBIAA may determine eligibility case by case.
- Applicants are assigned a Grant Coordinator.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program?
The program supports brick-and-mortar small businesses in Ontario with training, advisory support, and funding for digital transformation. Eligible activities include digital marketing, website improvements, software, digital training, and necessary hardware.
Who is eligible for the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program program?
To be eligible for the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program program, you must:
Brick-and-mortar business in Ontario.
1 to 50 employees.
Completed digital assessment and plan.
What expenses are eligible under Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program?
Digital marketing initiatives.
Website redesign or development.
Software adoption for digital operations.
Digital training and skills development.
Digital transformation planning and implementation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program?
You can contact Digital Main Street (DMS).
Where is the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program available?
The Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program?
Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program is funded by Digital Main Street (DMS)