Digital Main Street supports the small business community of Port Colborne, which is driving its digital transformation.

After being launched in Toronto in 2012, Digital Main Street (DMS), has been operating in many cities and towns throughout Ontario since 2018.

It is built around an internet learning platform that provides structured training modules for brick-and mortar small businesses to improve their digital skills. It also includes the Digital Service Squad, a team made up of street-level technology experts who offer one-on-one support and advice on strategy planning.

Additionally, the Digital Transformation Grant (DTG), provides up to $25,000 to eligible small businesses to help with the costs of adopting digital tools.

“Near the end of the first quarter this year, the city received a $50,000 Digital Service Squad Grant to fund a part-time team member over two years,” said Gary Long, manager of strategic initiatives. “Our squad’s commitment to customer service excellence has once again paid off as 21 small businesses are the recipients of this latest round of grant funding.”

“That’s a total of $52,500 in support from the DTG program,” said Mayor Bill Steele. “Keeping up with a digital world that changes so quickly is difficult for just about anyone, let alone a small business owner whose time is at a premium.”

“I greatly appreciate the province’s continued investment in this program, and I want to congratulate all the recipients,” said Steele.

The $2,500 DTG will go to:

•Aborigen Handcrafts

•Bakery Collective

•Bambi’s Bistro

•Breakwall Brewing Company

•Canalside Restaurant

•Citrus Seventeen

•Dance Expressions Inc.

•G&M Fitness & Health Club

•Genius Fitness & MMA

•Grant’s Gifts & The Picket Fence

•Lucky Thai Restaurant

•Meraki Beauty Academy

•Mom Dukes Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

•Murdoch’s Tire & Automotive

•Oak Tree Yoga & Wellness

•Playful Solutions

•Port Side Petals & Gifts

•The Smokin’ Buddha

•The Pie Guys Bakery & Café

•Think Ink, Design & Print Ltd.

The DTG application portal was closed October 31, 2022, but it will re-open in January 20, 2023.

Small businesses that have never submitted an application or have received the DTG before June 30, 2021, are encouraged to contact the city’s Digital Service Squad at [email protected].

The squad will hold a free workshop from 1 to 4 pm at the L. R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives on February 6, 2023.

Focused on the theme of “Digital Tools, Software, and Apps for Managing your Small Business,” registration for this in-person workshop is now open on Eventbrite.

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