Small businesses granted $2.5 million for digital growth

Nova Scotia small businesses now have the opportunity to boost their business in the digital economy with a new $2.5-million program.

In a recent news release, provincial officials announced the Digital Assistance Program, which will allow small business to connect with digital consultants for services such as website development, digital marketing and e-commerce tools.

The program will be administered by Digital Nova Scotia, the Tourism Digital Assistance Program, which is now in its second year.

The grants are worth up to $5,000 and give opportunities to small business owners to collaborate with digital and marketing consultants.

Businesses that qualify for the Small Business Impact Grant, part three, will be automatically eligible for the program and if the program reaches capacity, it will expand to other businesses, noted the release.

An online platform to manage the submission of expressions of interest from those pre- qualified businesses that want to partake will be held by Digital Nova Scotia.

Wayne Sumarah, CEO of Digital Nova Scotia, said a strong digital presence is important now more than ever.

“The program is designed for economic growth, with participants improving their online experiences to increase web traffic and sales, and Nova Scotian digital service providers generating new business opportunities — it’s a win-win,” he said.

Those qualified for the grant will gain the expertise in developing websites, search engine optimization, digital marketing and social media strategy and building online booking systems and e-commerce tools, said the release.

More information and applications are available online via Digital Nova Scotia.