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Digital Main Street – ShopHere

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

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

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Digital Main Street – ShopHere available?

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

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

Digital Main Street – ShopHere is a Expert Advice

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

Digital Main Street – ShopHere is funded by Digital Main Street

Last Update: March 3, 2026

Ontario, Canada

Help to launch an online store for Ontario businesses

Expert Advice

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Develop a new product

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

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 9,000

Launching an online store for a community bookstore

$ 8,500

Developing an online store for a pet supplies shop

$ 8,000

Building a digital marketplace for local artists

$ 7,000

Creating an online store for a small eco-friendly clothing brand

$ 10,000

Developing an e-commerce platform for a craft brewery

$ 8,000

Setting up an online store for a local bakery

Eligibility

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.

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.

Selection 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

How to apply

Sign Up

Visit the ShopHERE program page on Digital Main Street's website.
Click on the "SIGN UP" button to access the application portal.

Fill Out Application Form

Provide detailed information about your business or artistic practice.
Ensure all fields are completed accurately to reflect your eligibility.

Submit Application

Review your application to ensure all provided information is correct.
Submit the application through the portal.

Await Approval

Wait for confirmation of your application's approval from the ShopHERE team.
Check your email for any communication regarding your application status.

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.

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

Apply to this program

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?

What is the deadline to apply?

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

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.