Brant's Main Street Program Helps Small Businesses Switch to Online

Thursday, 28 January 2021 at 13:23

19 businesses in Brant County have taken advantage of the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant, including Betty's Place in Burford.

BRANT COUNTY - Several small businesses in Brant County have managed to get online with the help of Brant's Main Street Program.

Director of Economic Development and Tourism Russell Press says one business they want to highlight is Betty's Place Bed and Breakfast.

"Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses in the hospitality and accommodation industry have shown tremendous resilience. Betty Johnston, owner of Betty's Place Bed and Breakfast, embodies this resilience and has taken advantage of the Digital Main Street Program to help prepare her business for when she can welcome visitors back to downtown Burford.”

The Digital Main Street Program is funding by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and administered by the Ontario BIA Association. They help businesses grow their online presence during the current lockdowns and curb side pickup. Businesses can apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant to invest in their digital presence.

Johnston says the program has really helped her business.

“Before the Digital Service Squad began helping me, I had little experience in how to market my business online. The Squad member was so personable, knowledgeable and could translate my ideas into a reality on my website and on social media. With the $2500 Digital Transformation Grant, I was also able to hire a marketing company in St. George to create and manage (for a three-month period) a social media presence with videos and photography. The grant has opened up the possibility for my business to actually succeed.” The video on Betty’s Place social media had been viewed over 5000 times in a two-day period.

19 businesses in Brant County have utilized the grant and a total of $47,000 have been distributed to Brant businesses to grow their online business.