Kingston, Ontario – August 18, 2022 – Kingston Economic Development is pleased to announce that it has received a $280,000 grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program, which provides small business owners in Kingston and surrounding area with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.
“The Digital Main Street program has helped local businesses embrace new digital technologies especially during the pandemic. The program helps to ensure that they have access to support as they respond to change in innovative ways to create new revenue streams and access new markets outside their regular target.” says Rob Tamblyn, Business Development Manager – Small & Medium Enterprises, Kingston Economic Development Corporation.
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. Through the Digital Main Street program, Kingston Economic Development Corporation has supported hundreds of businesses since 2018. With this renewed investment, it will continue to offer free digital marketing support to local businesses to help them improve their digital presence, to better adopt digital tools and processes, and to attract new customers.
“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 Kingston Economic Development’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 Kingston to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
Applications for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) are open until October 31, 2022. Sara Giraldo Hoyos, Digital Business Advisor for the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, will guide businesses with conducting a digital- readiness assessment and supporting businesses to apply for the $2,500 DTG.
“I am looking forward to working with local businesses on their digital goals and supporting them in applying for the Digital Transformation Grant. Over the last two and a half years, we have learned the importance of e-commerce and digital technologies in sustaining a business in this new economy and the importance of accessing new markets more than ever,” says Giraldo Hoyos.
To book your free one-on-one session with Sara Giraldo Hoyos, Digital Business Advisor, email hoyos@investkingston.ca or call 613-214-9723.
To learn more about Digital Main Street services, visit investkingston.ca/digitalmainstreet
Media Contact:
Nour Mazloum
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
mazloum@investkingston.ca
