Digital Main Street – ShopHere
ON, Canada
Help to launch an online store for Ontario businesses
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 11, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Digital Main Street
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you have a small business in Ontario with fewer than 10 employees (25 if a restaurant), you can get help setting up an online store to sell your goods and services.
grant_single_labels|projects
The ShopHERE program is designed to enhance the digital presence of small businesses and artists in Ontario by facilitating the development and marketing of personalized online stores. The program offers comprehensive support throughout the setup and launch stages to ensure an effective online reach.
- Creation and configuration of a customized online store.
- Training sessions on managing online stores effectively.
- Support to make the online store live for customers.
- Assistance with marketing strategies for online stores.
- Access to a 90-day free trial of Shopify.
- Provision of advertising credits for platforms such as Facebook and Google.
- Free registration of a .CA domain.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 8,000
Setting up an online store for a local bakery
$ 7,000
Creating an online store for a small eco-friendly clothing brand
$ 9,000
Launching an online store for a community bookstore
$ 10,000
Developing an e-commerce platform for a craft brewery
$ 8,500
Developing an online store for a pet supplies shop
$ 8,000
Building a digital marketplace for local artists
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The ShopHERE program is designed for small independent businesses and artists who meet specific requirements for participation.
- The business or artist must be registered in Ontario.
- The business can operate from a home-based or commercial location.
- The business should have fewer than ten employees, or fewer than 25 if it is a restaurant.
- The applicant should not be a corporate chain or franchise.
- The applicant can be an artist.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The ShopHERE program is open to small independent businesses and artists in Ontario that meet the following requirements:- The business or non-profit organization must be registered, either having a commercial location or being home-based.- It must have fewer than ten employees, or fewer than 25 employees if it is a restaurant or bar.- The entity should not be a corporate chain or franchise.- Alternatively, participants can be individual artists.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of businesses due to their corporate structure and industry type. The restrictions are in place to focus support on small independent businesses and artists.
- Corporate chains and franchises.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The ShopHERE program offers a range of activities designed to help small businesses and artists establish and manage an online presence effectively. Through a comprehensive support system, participants receive assistance in various aspects of launching and promoting their online store.
- Creation and configuration of a customized online store.
- Training on managing the online store effectively.
- Getting the online store live and operational.
- Assistance with marketing the online store.
- Access to a free 90-day trial of Shopify.
- $100 ad credits for Facebook and Google marketing.
- Free .CA domain registration.
- One-on-one support from an e-Commerce Coordinator.
- Training in digital marketing, shipping, and inventory management.
- Access to free tools from program partners.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available solely to businesses and artists registered in specific locales within Ontario, Canada. It aims to support local entities by facilitating their transition to online commerce.
- Businesses must be registered in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Registered business or non-profit organization
- Commercial location or home-based
- Less than 10 employees (25 if a restaurant/bar)
- Not a corporate chain or franchise
- Must be an artist
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the ShopHERE program:
- Step 1: Sign Up
- Visit the ShopHERE program page on Digital Main Street's website.
- Click on the "SIGN UP" button to access the application portal.
- Step 2: Fill Out Application Form
- Provide detailed information about your business or artistic practice.
- Ensure all fields are completed accurately to reflect your eligibility.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Review your application to ensure all provided information is correct.
- Submit the application through the portal.
- Step 4: Await Approval
- Wait for confirmation of your application's approval from the ShopHERE team.
- Check your email for any communication regarding your application status.
- Step 5: Begin Program Participation
- Once approved, begin the onboarding process with a dedicated e-Commerce Coordinator.
- Participate in online store development, review, launch, and marketing training sessions.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is collaboratively supported by key partners such as Google, Shopify, Mastercard, and Microsoft, enhancing the resources and tools available to participants.
- Participants benefit from a detailed setup and training process, with personalized one-on-one support from an e-Commerce Coordinator.
- The ShopHERE Program is designed to rapidly support small businesses with getting online, frequently within 2 to 6 weeks, offering a speedy transition to e-commerce.
- While the program is free to join, businesses are responsible for any third-party platform fees after any applicable trial periods expire.
