The City of Barrie has received a $35,000 grant from Digital Main Street’s Ontario Grants Program (OGP) to support a Digital Service Squad (DSS) to help Barrie-area small businesses improve their online presence.
“Smart recovery programs help build capacity for businesses that can give them lasting strength. Digital Main Street has proven to be effective in supporting small businesses at a time when many of them need it,” said Mayor Jeff Lehman. “I’m delighted to see the program expanding here in Barrie and the surrounding area.”
“This Digital Main Street program has become a valued resource for the Barrie business community,” notes Stephannie Schlichter, Director of Economic and Creative Development at the City of Barrie. “The success stories from local businesses that have leveraged the program shows the need for digital supports and how the program continues to assist in recovery and building a resilient community amidst the pandemic.”
Digital Main Street helps businesses achieve digital transformation through online learning platforms, structured training programs, and a Digital Service Squad. This grant allows for the return of two existing Digital Service Squad members and two new members to support the Barrie area. These trained specialists will meet with small businesses, at no cost, to provide digital support in areas like social media, graphic design, web development and photography.
New this year, small businesses no longer need to be part of a zoned main street area to qualify. The Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia Digital Service Squad will be servicing Barrie, Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Essa, Innisfil, Midland, New Tecumseth, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Ramara, Severn, Springwater, Tay and Tiny.
“Ontario small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction for Ontario. “Our government is committed to being there for them as they reopen. This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever.”
Renewed government funding of the OGP —including investment from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade — will provide 3,000 Digital Transformation Grants to qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses as well as Digital Service Squad grants for organizations to provide hands-on assistance to local small businesses. The OGP is administrated by the Ontario BIA Association, in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA).
“In the past 18 months, as small businesses across the province fought to stay open and keep customers engaged online, Digital Service Squads were there to help,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director of OBIAA. “Squads jumped online themselves during lockdowns to help virtually, and businesses have consistently told us how important the DSS were to their success through the pandemic. We are thrilled to support Barrie’s DSS and help them provide assistance to even more small businesses than ever.”
Businesses can learn more and register for the program at “Digital Service Squad” via barriebusinesscentre.ca.
City receives grant to help #Barrie & surrounding area small businesses leverage online opportunities: https://t.co/WD7rZWHIyo @SBCBarrie @InvestBarrie @digital_mainst pic.twitter.com/kfADUwcvgA
— The City of Barrie (@cityofbarrie) October 6, 2021