The Stratford Perth Centre for Business has launched "The Digital Accelerator", by Starter Company Plus.
30 grants totaling $45,000 will be distributed to local entrepreneurs within Stratford and Perth County.
The new program will help small businesses in the City of Stratford, the Town of St Mary's and Perth County to create a digital revenue stream that will allow them to navigate the new reality of doing business.
Starter Company Plus will deliver 4 weeks of virtual programing starting May 19 providing entrepreneurs with funding, coaching and peer mentorship to support the use of online, digital, and social marketing tools.
The program will assist with the cost of developing a digital strategy including website builds, digital advertising and email marketing. Business advisors will work one-on-one with the participants to design new business models and outline steps needed to deliver their products and services digitally. Areas of focus will include use of templated websites such as Shopify and Squarespace, email marketing integrations, delivery, e-commerce, cyber security, digital systems, and finding new opportunities in existing skills, products, and services.
Holly Mortimer, Business Advisor stated, "By end of the program each participant will have received funds to support their pivot, and long-term mentorship and collaboration opportunities and access to our programming for as long as they need it."
Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford stated "The program delivers the kind of support and training that is desperately needed at this time. It assists and trains business owners overwhelmed with the need to pivot their revenue streams and helps them leverage their grant for greater revenue and business growth."
Applications are open now and available at www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca until May 12