Local businesses are receiving some help to improve their online presence.
The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre recently received a $68,760 grant from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association as part of the Digital Main Street Program.
The program helps businesses with less than 10 full-time employees.
This grant was used to create a local team of experts that will help small businesses in the area with the digital aspect of their operations.
The team members are as follows:
· Brook Dallaire (co-founder of Sociable Thunder Bay)
· Dylan Uurainen (co-founder of Digital Mammoth)
· Lauren Rigato (founder of Superior Digital)
· Leanne Mitton (founder of Norlink)
· Palash Bakshi (co-founder of Sociable Thunder Bay)
Ryan Moore is the Development Officer for the Thunder Bay CEDC, and says programs such as this are more important than ever.
“Many businesses continue to navigate the difficulties of the pandemic, and need to adapt their business to support online options,” says Moore. “We are excited to expand our services for the small business community and help them further their online experience and knowledge. This program will provide local entrepreneurs with one-on-one time with a professional as they continue to make changes and strengthen their online presence”
Since 2019, the Digital Main Street Program has helped train and educate small businesses. Some of their focuses include email marketing, website basics, social media, and digital marketing strategies. They have also set up learning local squads across Ontario which provide one on one support for businesses trying to implement these new online skills and find new opportunities.
Businesses interested in accessing services can click here
