The County of Huron’s Digital Service Squad Continues to Help Small Businesses Adopt and Improve Online Technologies.

June 24, 2022

Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron has announced that it has received a $204,835 grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad (DSS) program, which provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses. This DSS program is managed in partnership with the municipalities of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Bluewater, Central Huron, Goderich, Howick, Huron East, Morris-Turnberry, South Huron, and North Huron.

“Small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” said Vicki Lass, Director of Economic Development. “Digital Main Street programs have proven to be extremely successful in helping our local businesses expand their digital offerings, allowing them to broaden their client base and pivot to a stronger online presence.”

Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street (DMS) and the Huron County DSS will be providing one-on-one assistance to small businesses, at no cost, to help improve their use of digital technologies and enhance their online presence until December 31, 2023. Squad members will be available to assist with a number of activities including:

  • A digital assessment of a business’s digital literacy;
  • Access to a free online video-based digital transformation training program;
  • The development or enhancement of a web presence through the activation of easy-to-use tools such as Google Business Profile and social media;
  • An application for the Digital Transformation Grant program by assisting with the development of the Digital Transformation Plan that must be submitted with the application.

In addition to the extension of the Digital Service Squad program, the Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program is now accepting applications. The DTG program offers eligible businesses the opportunity to receive funding of up to $2,500 towards the execution of their Digital Transformation Plan.

“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA). “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support the County of Huron’s Squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Huron County to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

For more information, contact Huron County Economic Development, (519) 524-8394 ext. 6 or economicdevelopment@huroncounty.ca

About Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA)

OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.

About Digital Main Street

Digital Main Street is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and our Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.

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For more information contact:

Vicki Lass, Director of Economic Development
519.524.8394 (ext 3288)
vlass@huroncounty.ca