Web Presence Assistance
PE, Canada
Money to increase online sales for PEI businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 09, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation PEI
- Government of Prince Edward Island
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution of up to $2,500 to create or upgrade a website for your business.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to businesses and local not-for-profit organizations located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Applicants must be physically based in this region to be considered for the funding opportunity.
- Businesses and not-for-profits based in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,800
Creating an informational website for a financial cooperative with community resources
$2,435
Developing an ecommerce platform for selling organic produce
$2,200
Revamping a website for a general partnership selling handmade crafts
$2,400
Upgrading the website for a local coffee shop to include an online ordering system
$2,425
Developing a website for a new social economy enterprise focused on sustainable living workshops
$2,470
Creating a new website for a local animal rescue non-profit organization
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for Web Presence Assistance requires businesses or local not-for-profit organizations to meet specific geographical and project criteria.
- The applicant must be a business or local not-for-profit organization located in Prince Edward Island.
- The applicant does not have an existing website, or is upgrading an existing website to add e-commerce for the first time.
- The applicant should not have defaulted outstanding debt obligations on file in the Province’s Central Default Registry.
- The applicant must not have received Web Presence Assistance funding from Innovation PEI in the prior two years.
- Fishers, farmers, realty companies, banks, and financial companies are ineligible to apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for Web Presence Assistance, applicants must be either a business or a local not-for-profit organization located in Prince Edward Island. The eligibility criteria include:- Businesses or not-for-profits that do not have an existing website.- Businesses or not-for-profits that are upgrading an existing website to add e-commerce for the first time.However, certain applicants are deemed ineligible:- Businesses or organizations with an existing e-commerce website aiming to enhance e-commerce capabilities.- Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation recorded in the Province’s Central Default Registry.- Businesses that have received funding from Innovation PEI in the previous two years to support website development through this program.- Fishers, farmers, and realty companies, including commercial/residential landlords and developers.- Banks and financial companies, such as pawnbrokers, payday loan companies, cheque cashing services, and white-label cash machine operators.Additionally, projects will not be reviewed until any defaults on reporting, project completion, or financial obligations to Innovation PEI are resolved.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is not available to certain businesses due to specific restrictions or the nature of their activities. The goal is to allocate resources effectively to sectors that align with the program's objectives.
- Applicants with an existing e-commerce website that wish to enhance their e-commerce functionality.
- Businesses listed with debts in the Province's Central Default Registry.
- Businesses that have received Web Presence Assistance funding from Innovation PEI in the last two years.
- Fishers, farmers, and realty companies, including commercial/residential landlords and developers.
- Banks and financial institutions, including pawnbrokers, payday loan providers, cheque cashing services, and white label ATM operators.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This assistance program supports Prince Edward Island businesses and not-for-profits in establishing or enhancing their online presence. The eligible activities focus on the creation or upgrade of websites, particularly aiming to incorporate e-commerce functionalities.
- Registration of a domain name.
- Design, development, and hosting of a new website.
- Upgrading an existing website to include first-time e-commerce capabilities.
- Inclusion of search engine and mobile optimization, scheduling functions, voice technology, and chatbot features in the website design.
- Social media integration and online advertising to support the new website launch, if included in the application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to creating or upgrading a business's online presence.
- Registration of a domain name.
- Design, development, and hosting of a website, including e-commerce and other optimized functionalities.
- Social media and online advertising to support the launch of the new website, if within contribution limits.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Web Presence Assistance grant are not explicitly based on point-scored criteria; instead, they are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis given that the application is complete.
- Timeliness and completeness of the application submission.
- Compliance with application requirements as set out by Innovation PEI.
- No suspicion or detection of fraudulent intent by Innovation PEI.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Web Presence Assistance grant:
- Step 1: Consult with Business Development Officer
- Contact an Innovation PEI Business Development Officer for guidance on the suitability of the project.
- Discuss other program offerings that may be relevant.
- Step 2: Gather Required Information and Documents
- Collect detailed business information, including full business name, contact information, and HST number if applicable.
- Prepare a detailed description of the project and its expected impact on the business.
- Obtain a written quote from an arm’s length web developer, or outline if self-developed, the detailed list of anticipated expenses.
- Step 3: Complete the Application
- Fill out the application form online, or request a printable form to submit a hard copy.
- Ensure all required information is accurately completed and compiled in the application.
- Agree to the full terms and conditions of the assistance as part of the application process.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Submit your application online, via mail, or by fax to Innovation PEI.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Application Receipt
- Receive confirmation within ten business days indicating whether your application is complete.
- Step 6: Notification of Decision
- Receive a decision on your application within ten to twenty business days if the application is complete.
Apply to this program
Web Presence Assistance for Prince Edward Island Businesses
The Web Presence Assistance grant supports Prince Edward Island businesses and local not-for-profits in developing an online presence or enhancing an existing website to include e-commerce features. This non-repayable contribution aims to empower organizations to increase their market reach and sales by establishing or upgrading their web presence.
Explore the Comprehensive Benefits and Conditions of Web Presence Assistance
The Web Presence Assistance grant is strategically designed to aid Prince Edward Island businesses and local not-for-profits in the critical transition to digital commerce. As digital platforms continue to dominate the consumer landscape, having a robust online presence is not just beneficial but necessary for staying competitive. This grant enables eligible entities, which do not yet have an online presence or are introducing e-commerce capabilities for the first time, to secure financial support without the burden of repayment. This initiative underscores the commitment of Innovation PEI to bolster the local economy and enhance the digital competence of its constituents.
The program offers two tiers of assistance based on the type of website development required. Tier 1 caters to organizations establishing a non-e-commerce site, providing up to $1,000, while Tier 2 supports the development of an e-commerce site for businesses creating their first online marketplace or upgrading their existing website to add this feature, offering up to $2,500. Such financial support encourages entities to integrate cutting-edge technologies, optimize for search engines and mobile access, and include interactive elements like chatbots or scheduling functions to improve user engagement and satisfaction.
Coverage of eligible costs under this program includes domain name registration, web design, development, and hosting services. Moreover, initial advertising expenditures to support the website's launch are considered eligible, maximizing exposure and customer reach from the onset. This holistic approach ensures that the grantee's digital footprint is both aesthetically appealing and functionally adept at attracting and retaining customers.
Applicants must adhere to the standard submission process, which begins with a consultative session with an Innovation PEI Business Development Officer. This step ensures a clear understanding of funding suitability and application nuances, potentially steering applicants towards alternative funding programs if necessary. Following this, a fully supported application, complete with detailed business information and a project proposal, must be submitted before any binding financial commitments are made. The process is streamlined to provide applicants with feedback on the completeness of their applications within ten business days, with a final decision rendered within twenty business days post submission.
Performance monitoring is integral to the grant's structure, requiring recipients to agree to comprehensive terms and potentially undergo evaluations to ensure compliance and effective utilization of funds. This rigorous oversight not only protects the funding source but also prioritizes impactful and ethical use of resources, reflecting a balanced approach between innovation encouragement and accountability.
By facilitating the strategic investment in web presence, the grant fosters an environment ripe for increased consumer engagement and economic growth. Businesses that effectively leverage such opportunities are likely to see enhanced brand visibility, customer interaction, and revenue growth. This grant thus serves as a pivotal tool in aiding local entities to harness technology for their strategic advancement.
