PERTH COUNTY – Perth County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division has announced that it has received an $82,200 grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad (DSS) program, which provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.
“The local business community across Perth County will benefit greatly from this program,” said Jim Aitcheson, Warden of Perth County. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses particularly hard. This support will continue to help build resiliency across the County by improving the online presence of our business community.”
DSSs are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street, 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, 360° 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.
“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, executive director with OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Perth County’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance will provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Perth County to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
The DMS program is scheduled to run to March 31, 2024 and is available to brick-and-mortar small businesses located in rural Perth County. Recruitment for the DSS position will begin immediately and interested applicants should watch for the job posting on Perth County’s website.
Follow Perth County on social media to watch for important program launch dates and details of how to take advantage of the program. For more information, email digitalservicesquad@perthcounty.ca
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 the 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 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.
