Free digital services are now available for Durham businesses through Digital Main Street

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham is pleased to announce additional support for businesses in Durham Region to expand their digital presence, adopt innovative tools and explore new training opportunities through Digital Service Squads, as part of the Digital Main Street (DMS) program.

Established in 2018, DMS Ontario was recently extended thanks to an investment of $42.5 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and $7.45 million from the Ontario Ministry for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT). The nearly $50-million investment will help small businesses across Ontario to pivot their operations to include online business models, regain lost revenue and become more resilient and competitive as the economy recovers. The Ontario BIA Association administers the DMS grant program to Ontario’s main street small businesses.

Through DMS, the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD), Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (BIA), and the Clarington Board of Trade (CBOT) will provide Durham businesses with free access to the services, supports and resources they need to succeed in today’s digital environment—including advertising and marketing services, web and social media support, content management and customer engagement tools, and more.

The Region is also providing additional funding to augment the program to support businesses that fall outside defined BIA areas or are not located on “main streets”. These businesses should reach out to BACD to learn more about additional funding programs available.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the digital divide for businesses across Canada, DMS Service Squad teams will ensure small businesses are able to grow, adopt new digital tools and technologies, and establish a digital presence that allows customers to easily access their goods and services.

This region-wide initiative will allow access to one-on-one assistance, training and advisory services, while creating opportunities for employment and post-secondary learning, and advancing partnerships in our local business community.

If you and/or your business is interested in receiving support through DMS, please contact BACD, Downtown Whitby BIA, or CBOT.

To learn more about the program, visit DigitalMainStreet.ca.

For more information access the Region of Durham website.