The new Launch Online Grant program is designed to help over 1,500 eligible small- and medium-sized B.C. businesses adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and market products online.
The B.C. government is investing $12 million to help businesses launch or upgrade an online store.
Up to 25% of the program funds will be reserved for regional and Indigenous businesses.
“I see this as a good partnership and good opportunity. We have been engaged in a collaborative effort with ICS and HubSpace to deliver the DER three program, which is a program from western diversification to help move their businesses to an online platform,” said Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Corrigall.
“The announcement was another brick in that process, another tool available for businesses to go that way.”
The provincial government says residents have increased their reliance on online shopping with over $305 billion in e-commerce sales in Canada in 2019.
E-commerce sales are projected to have doubled through 2020 and are expected to increase further in 2021.
“There are a couple of positive things here and then there is one ongoing challenge that comes with it. It’s funding being made available to small and medium businesses in BC to migrate their businesses online. It helps offset some of those initial costs, which can be onerous,” said Corrigall.
As part of the program, successful applicants must use one or more local B.C. service providers to complete their online store, something Corrigall says is a good touch.
However, Northern BC remains encumbered by weaker broadband internet, so it is Corrigalls hope the issue is addressed as well.
These grants will provide business owners, including those in hard-hit sectors such as retail, tourism and restaurants, with up to $7,500 to build or improve their online store.
Grant recipients can use the funding for a variety of online-related expenses, including pictures, creating an online inventory system, advertising costs, subscription costs of an e-commerce platform and training staff to manage the website.
The program will run until March 31, or until all funds are distributed.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
