The Canadian government has recently introduced the Grow Your Business Online grant. As a small business owner, you may be eligible for a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to assist with costs related to adopting or improving e-commerce.
Since this is a brand new program, there is still some uncertainty around what qualifies as e-commerce, but here are the eligible e-commerce activities as listed on the government website.
- Implementation or improvement of a digital e-commerce plan (e.g. online reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments)
- Website search optimization (SEO)
- Installation of an e-commerce platform (including subscription fees/costs)
- Back-office solutions to support an e-commerce strategy
- Social media advertising (Note: Cannot be strictly social media advertising. Needs to tie into the overall e-commerce implementation plan)
- Creation of customer databases
- Hiring a consultant/agency to execute Digital Marketing initiatives related to your e-commerce store
- Development of a new e-commerce website
- Upgrading an existing e-commerce site for added functionality (i.e., new plugins or features) Note: redesign of an existing site is not eligible
- E-commerce software including:
○ Software to track and manage product inventory, as well as fulfill and ship orders
○ Software for product databases
○ Software to track sales, market to customers, offer discounts or maintain a loyalty program
○ Software to simplify marketing
○ Cyber security software or certifications
- Hardware and accompanying software up to 20% of total grant amount
Eligibility
The Grow Your Business Online Grant is offered in Alberta through Business Link and is currently open for applications from businesses that meet all the following criteria:
- For-profit businesses (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives)
- Registered or incorporated businesses
- Consumer-facing businesses
- Can be accessed by consumers or provides in-person services to consumers
- Has at least one employee (full time or part time, but for at least three months before application)
- Must commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months after participation in the program
- Must consent to participating in follow-up surveys, sharing information with the Government of Canada (ISED and Statistics Canada), and having the name of the business published as a recipient of funding
The following types of small businesses are ineligible:
- Corporate chains, franchises or registered charities
- Representatives of multi-level marketing companies
- Real estate brokerages
- Non-profit organizations
How to Apply
Alberta Business Link is in charge of administering the program. The application process is as follows:
- Apply for the grant through Business Link
- Work with an e-commerce advisor on finalizing your plan
- Hire a web developer or marketing agency of your choice to implement your plan
Business Link
EDGE is an approved vendor for this program, so if you are considering applying, feel free to call us to discuss your plans in advance. We can also help you with the application process.
Contact EDGE
Posted: June 24, 2022
