News

July 14, 2022

New Grant Funding Allows Burlington Digital Service Squad to Continue to Help Small Businesses Adopt Online Technologies

Burlington, Ontario – July 14, 2022 – Burlington Economic Development has announced that it has received a grant of more than $77,000 from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program, which provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.

“Supporting small business was a core priority for us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are proud to have supported more than 430 Burlington businesses through the Digital Main Street program,” said Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development. “We are thrilled to see the program continue in Burlington at TechPlace and look forward to connecting with even more businesses that will benefit from this innovative and much needed program.”

Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street (DMS), with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment and to introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant. Applications for this program are now being accepted.

“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 Burlington’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 Burlington to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

The Burlington squad will be facilitated by TechPlace, a Burlington Economic Development-led innovation centre focused on supporting the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in Burlington. Squad specialist Ana Claudia Nobrega will be available starting July 25 for in-person and virtual sessions. Businesses interested in learning more about the program and eligibility requirements for the Digital Transformation Grant are encouraged to contact ana@techplace.ca.

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ABOUT Burlington Economic Development

Burlington Economic Development has a mandate to enhance the growth prospects of existing companies and bring new high-value firms to the community. Our focus is on growing the economic base to sustain Burlington’s competitive and prosperous community. Burlington Economic Development is the first point of contact for companies looking to expand, start-up or locate in Burlington. 

ABOUT TechPlace

Led by Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace is Burlington’s one stop destination for new and growing technology companies. The space is home to Haltech, Halton’s Regional Innovation Centre and Angel One Investor Network, a member-based angel group that has invested more than $25 million in early-stage companies. TechPlace provides space, place and resources through its LaunchPad program, hot desking areas and meeting and event spaces.

ABOUT OBIAA

OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.

ABOUT Digital Main Street

Digital Main Street is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and our Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.

Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, and Lightspeed. The program is delivered Pan Canada in support of small business thanks to the support of all three levels of government. www.digitalmainstreet.ca