Digital Main Street – ShopHere
ON, Canada
Help to launch an online store for Ontario businesses
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
This grant is specifically targeted for companies and artists registered within the province of Ontario, Canada. The eligibility criteria help support local businesses and artists in establishing an online presence to adapt to modern digital commerce needs.
- Companies and artists registered in Ontario, Canada.
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
There are specific geographic areas mentioned for this grant in Ontario. Businesses and artists in Ontario are eligible for the ShopHERE powered by Google program if they meet the criteria below:
- It is a registered business, or a registered non-profit organization.
- It has a commercial location or is home-based.
- It has fewer than ten employees or fewer than 25 employees if a restaurant or bar.
- It is not a corporate chain or franchise.
- Or must be an artist.
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.
Apply to this program
Empowering Ontario’s Small Businesses with ShopHERE
The ShopHERE program provides a unique opportunity for small businesses and artists in Ontario to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently. Funded by various governmental and corporate sponsors, the program is committed to supporting local commerce by offering comprehensive resources for building and launching customized online stores.
Detailed Insights into the ShopHERE Program and Its Benefits
The ShopHERE program is a pivotal initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for small businesses and artists across Ontario. As the global economy pivots towards digital markets, having an online sales platform has become crucial for local commerce to thrive. Recognizing this, the program endeavors to make the transition to digital markets seamless and accessible for eligible participants. Understanding the intricate balance between traditional operations and digital expansion, ShopHERE offers a structured, step-by-step process for creating an online presence.
This initiative is particularly vital in the context of post-pandemic recovery, as businesses strive to reach both local and international consumers in a virtual environment. The program is perfectly tailored for home-based or commercially located businesses and non-profits, as well as individual artists looking to expand their reach. By eliminating financial barriers with its free setup and abundant resources, ShopHERE enables participants to remain competitive in the evolving digital marketplace.
One standout feature of the program is its commitment to education and personalized assistance. Each participant is paired with an experienced e-commerce coordinator who guides them through every step of the online transition. This one-on-one support encompasses training in critical areas such as digital marketing, inventory management, and shipping logistics, empowering businesses with the skills to manage and sustain their digital storefronts effectively.
Participants benefit from a variety of resources provided by esteemed partners like Google and Shopify. Notable offerings include a free 90-day trial of Shopify, ensuring businesses can explore and adapt to the platform without immediate financial pressure. Additionally, participants receive ad credits to facilitate online marketing efforts, and a complimentary .CA domain registration to solidify their distinct online identity. These resources significantly reduce the initial hurdles that many small businesses face when going digital.
Moreover, the program offers a swift timeline for development and launch. With the entire process taking between two to six weeks, businesses can start interacting with digital customers in a remarkably short period. This expedited setup is crucial for businesses requiring quick responses to market advancements and necessitates minimal downtime from their existing operations.
The sustained impact of the ShopHERE program extends beyond the initial setup. Participants gain invaluable skills that enable them to navigate and grow within the online commerce ecosystem effectively. These skills ensure that the benefits of the program are long-lasting, providing the foundation for continued digital expansion and exposure.
In summary, the ShopHERE program is more than just an opportunity to build an online store; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to equip small businesses and artists with the tools essential for success in the digital age. Through hands-on support, extensive education, and valuable resources, it allows participants to explore vast new markets, thereby supporting economic resilience and growth within local communities.
