Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas – Digital Service Squad Grant Program
Description:
Digital Main Street (DMS) is a program focused on assisting brick-and-mortar small businesses with their adoption of technology. The Digital Service Squad Grant Program will provide training, advisory support and funds to hire local Digital Service Squad members across Ontario.
Comments on Funding:
The exact funding amount per applicant will be based on the number of qualified small businesses with brick-and-mortar locations. The grant minimum is $5,000 and grant maximum is $200,000 (based on a twelve-month project).
The maximum grant amount is (based on the number of brick-and-mortar small businesses forecasted to be served in the catchment area within each 12-month project period):
- under 100 businesses – maximum $35,000;
- 100 – 200 businesses – maximum $75,000;
- 201 – 300 businesses – maximum $100,000;
- 301 – 400 businesses – maximum $125,000;
- 401 – 500 businesses – maximum $150,000;
- 501 – 600 businesses – maximum $200,000;
- over 600 businesses – to be determined.
Eligibility:
The applicant must meet the following requirements:
Applications Steps:
Applicants must:
go to www.digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants/ and complete an online profile (prior grantees may contact dms@obiaa.com for an application form);
a. organizational structure and define who will be responsible for the administration of the contribution funds, along with applicable contact info;
b. include details of any partnership formed for the purpose of executing the grant and copies of any applicable partnership agreements or memoranda of understanding;
c. describe the geographic area, including the number of BIAs (if applicable);
d. number of eligible businesses to be served in-person and/or virtually by DSS members;
a. executing the project within the designated area/s;
b. hiring and training DSS members;
c. hosting DSS launch event/informational sessions for promoting DSS members, if applicable;
d. issuing a press release, if applicable;
e. purchasing equipment, if applicable;
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
- the application form;
- an action plan;
- a detailed budget to include a narrative on how the funds will be used;
- monthly progress reports and a final report that includes all costs;
- a summary of all costs less any applicable HST rebate or discount.
Other Things to Note:
At this time the application portal is now closed as grant funds are exhausted.
Program Contact:
When It Ends:
Ongoing
Deadline:
Next deadlines to be determined