Web Presence Assistance

Who is eligible?

• Prince Edward Island businesses without an existing website
• Prince Edward Island businesses upgrading an existing website to add e-commerce for the first time
• Local not-for-profit organizations in Prince Edward Island without an existing website
• Local not-for-profit organizations in Prince Edward Island upgrading an existing website to add e-commerce for the first time

Who is not eligible

• Applicants that already have an e-commerce website and only want to enhance or expand existing e-commerce functions.
• Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation recorded in the Province of Prince Edward Island’s Central Default Registry.
• Businesses that received Web Presence Assistance funding from Innovation PEI for website development in the previous two years.
• Fishers, farmers, and realty companies, including commercial or residential landlords and property developers.
• Banks and financial companies, such as pawnbrokers, payday loan providers, cheque-cashing services, and operators of white-label cash machines.

Eligible expenses

• Registration costs for a new domain name.
• Design and development fees for a new website, including integration of e‑commerce functions.
• Website hosting costs.
• Website features that improve user experience and performance, such as search engine optimization (SEO), mobile optimization, scheduling tools, voice technology, chatbots and social media integration.
• Social media and online advertising expenses specifically to support the launch of the new website, when requested in the application and within the maximum contribution limits.
• Subscriptions directly related to the business’s website and associated online tools, billed and paid before the request for payment.

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses and local not-for-profit organizations located in Prince Edward Island.

• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis once they are complete and all required information is submitted.
• Innovation PEI may deny a grant application or payment request if it suspects or detects fraudulent intent.

• Step 1: Consult Innovation PEI Business Development Officer
  • Contact an Innovation PEI Business Development Officer for guidance on the suitability of your web project for Web Presence Assistance.
  • Discuss other Innovation PEI program offerings that may be relevant to your business or organization.
  • Review the application form and process with the officer to understand required information, documentation, and expected timelines.
• Step 2: Define Project and Select Web Developer or Approach
  • Determine whether you will hire an arm’s length web developer or create the site yourself.
  • Define the scope of your project (e.g., new non‑e‑commerce site or new/first‑time e‑commerce site, potential online advertising support).
  • Ensure that no financial or legal commitments are made on the project before submitting the application.
• Step 3: Gather Required Business and Project Information
  • Prepare your full business or organization name and contact information.
  • Have your HST number available, if applicable.
  • Draft a detailed description of the web project and explain how it will help your business or organization.
• Step 4: Obtain Quotes or Cost Breakdown
  • If using an arm’s length web developer, obtain an electronic or scanned copy of a written quote detailing all services to be provided.
  • If creating the site yourself, prepare a detailed listing of all expenses that will be incurred.
  • Ensure the cost information focuses on direct expenses; your own time will not be reimbursed.
  • Identify any subscriptions directly related to the website and associated tools that will be billed and paid before you request payment.
• Step 5: Accept Terms and Conditions
  • Review the full Web Presence Assistance terms and conditions provided within the application materials.
  • Confirm your acceptance of these terms and conditions, which, with the application, request for payment, and guidelines, will form a contract with Innovation PEI if funding is approved.
• Step 6: Complete and Submit the Application
  • Choose your submission method: apply online, request a printable application form, or submit a hard copy by mail or fax.
  • Fill in all required sections of the application form with your business information, project description, and financial details.
  • Attach the required supporting documents, including the written quote from an arm’s length web developer or your detailed expense listing.
  • Submit the completed application to Innovation PEI before making any financial or legal commitments on the project.
• Step 7: Application Acknowledgement and Completeness Check
  • After Innovation PEI receives your application, wait for confirmation that it has been received.
  • Within ten business days of receipt, expect to be advised whether your application is complete.
  • Provide any additional information requested by Innovation PEI to complete your application, if applicable.
• Step 8: Assessment and Funding Decision
  • Understand that complete applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑serve basis.
  • Be aware that Innovation PEI may deny a grant application or request for payment if it suspects or detects fraudulent intent.
  • Following receipt of a complete application, expect to be advised of Innovation PEI’s decision on Web Presence Assistance within 10 to 20 business days.

• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis once all required information has been submitted.
• Applicants must accept the program’s full terms and conditions within the application, which then form part of a contract with Innovation PEI.
• Applicants will be informed within ten business days whether their application has been received and deemed complete.
• Once an application is complete, a funding decision is normally issued within 10 to 20 business days for this program.