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.
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Business must have a permanent 'brick-and-mortar' establishment in Ontario - Business must be employing 1-50 employees - Business must not be a home-based business - Business must be paying commercial property tax (commercially assessed), either directly or through commercial rent - Business must be a registered business in Ontario and/or incorporated - Business must be open for business/operating at the time of application (not a start-up) - Business must be open to the general public for walk-in and onsite purchases of goods and services (not a wholesaler or manufacturer) - Business must not be supplying digital services to other businesses (e.g. website design/development, SEO, programming) - Business must not be a franchise, including those individually owned and operated - Business must not be a not-for-profit/charitable organization - Business must not be renting office space on a temporary basis (month-to-month) - Business must not be in a shared workspace such as a hot desk or dedicated desk - Business must not be a purely online business
How to apply
1
Account Setup
- Create an account on the Digital Main Street portal.
- Login if you already have an account to start the application process.
2
Eligibility Assessment
- Complete the Digital Main Street Assessment to evaluate your business's readiness for digital transformation.
- Pass the eligibility quiz to proceed with the application.
3
Complete Training
- Engage with online training modules provided by Digital Main Street.
- Develop a comprehensive Digital Transformation Plan as part of the training program.
4
Application Form
- Fill out the application form available on the Digital Main Street portal after completing the necessary pre-requisites.
- Ensure all required information and documentation is provided as per the application checklist.
5
Application Submission
- Review the application for any errors or omissions.
- Submit the completed application through the Digital Main Street portal before the deadline.
6
Confirmation
- Await confirmation of application receipt via email from Digital Main Street.
- Retain confirmation details for future reference and follow-up.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program Program
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)