The City of Barrie has received a $155,000 grant from Digital Main Street to expand programming that will continue to help small businesses improve their online presence.
The Digital Main Street program offers online learning platforms, structured training programs, and a team of digital experts (Digital Service Squad) that provide free digital support and advice to businesses.
“The Digital Main Street program has become an invaluable resource that has helped many local businesses in our community elevate their digital skills and strategy,” notes Stephannie Schlichter, Director of Economic and Creative Development at the City of Barrie. “With the expansion of the program through this investment, we hope to continue to support businesses achieve digital transformation.”
“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Barrie’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Barrie to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
In addition to access to one-to-one expertise from the Digital Service Squad, the expanded Digital Main Street program will offer one-day digital transformation boot camps on a semi-annual basis, and weekly sessions for businesses, led by Digital Service Squad members.
Businesses may be eligible for the program if, among other requirements, they have 1-50 employees and have a permanent ‘brick-and-mortar’ establishment.
Businesses are encouraged to contact the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia by phone (705-720-2445) or email (smallbusiness@barrie.ca) to learn more about the Digital Main Street program and how to participate. Businesses can learn more about the program at “Digital Service Squad” via barriebusinesscentre.ca.
-Source: City of Barrie
We've received a $155,000 grant from @digital_mainst to expand programming that will continue to help #SmallBusinesses improve their online presence. Read the release: https://t.co/GbYENFWhnd @SBCBarrie #Barrie pic.twitter.com/MpImbKuuqF
— The City of Barrie (@cityofbarrie) June 1, 2022