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Digital Main Street – ShopHere - Ontario - Canada
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Digital Main Street – ShopHere

Help to launch an online store for Ontario businesses
Digital Main Street
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 11, 2020
  • Closing date : February 25, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

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.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : June 11, 2020
  • Closing date : February 25, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Retail trade
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Other services (except public administration)
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Culture and Arts
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Business Associations
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Provincial

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

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.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

Additional information

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.

Documents and links

Digital Main Street – ShopHere

Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Main Street – ShopHere Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Digital Main Street – ShopHere. 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 – ShopHere?

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.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was February 25, 2026.

Who is eligible for the Digital Main Street – ShopHere program?

To be eligible for the Digital Main Street – ShopHere program, you must: Must have fewer than ten employees or fewer than 25 if a restaurant or bar. Must be a registered business or non-profit organization in Ontario. Must not be a corporate chain or franchise.

What expenses are eligible under Digital Main Street – ShopHere?

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.

Where is the Digital Main Street – ShopHere available?

The Digital Main Street – ShopHere program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Digital Main Street – ShopHere a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Digital Main Street – ShopHere is a Expert Advice

Who are the financial supporters of the Digital Main Street – ShopHere?

Digital Main Street – ShopHere is funded by Digital Main Street

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