Kingston, Ontario – June 6, 2022 – Kingston Economic Development was selected to deliver a new program by the Federal government. Member of Parliament for Kingston and The Islands Mark Gerretsen announced the funding for Kingston and area small businesses saying, “the past two years of the pandemic have demonstrated how important the online world is in staying connected as businesses, employers, and employees. That is why the Government of Canada launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program, a $4B investment to help as many as 160,000 small and medium-sized enterprises grow their business online and boost their existing business technologies. I look forward to seeing how the Kingston Economic Development Corporation leverages this funding to help businesses in Kingston build a strong online presence that allows them to grow and connect to markets around the world, strengthening our city’s economy as a whole.”
Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington and Gananoque will receive $3.78M over the next three years through the Canada Digital Adoption Program Grow Your Business Online to help small businesses digitize and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Eligible businesses will receive micro-grants of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies as well as support and advice from a network of E-Commerce Advisors. The grant can be used to cover costs associated with a range of activities, including website development, search engine optimization, subscription fees for e-commerce platforms and social media advertising.
“I’m thrilled to hear that funding from the Canada Digital Adoption Program will be distributed in the Kingston community. This is a fantastic opportunity for some of our local small businesses to expand their current platforms and reach new customers, both locally and outside of the region. I look forward to seeing the benefits this program will offer some of our businesses as they look ahead to a post-pandemic world,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson.
Kingston Economic Development has been working steadfastly over the past two and half years supporting local businesses navigate the impact of COIVD-19 and have been able to secure over $5.5M to invest directly into businesses through the Tourism Business Support Program, Kingston Pandemic Recovery Program and now, through the Canadian Digital Adoption Program.
“We are honoured that Kingston Economic Development was selected to facilitate this program and the trust that the government has in us to administer this program,” says Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “Our small businesses have shown incredible resilience over the last two years as they faced unprecedented times from the impacts of COVID-19. Today, businesses more than ever need a strong online presence to meet consumers needs and stay competitive.”
The program will be delivered with support from KEYS Job Centre and for access to E-Commerce Advisors to support the program. The goal to hire 75 E-Commerce Advisors through the program to support local businesses.
“Youth employment has been a very critical component of what KEYS does. This opportunity fits with who we are as an organization and we appreciate this opportunity to be involved in this initiative,” says Michael Harris, Executive Director at KEYS Job Centre.
Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to visit investkingston.ca/CDAP to learn more about the program and apply online.
Media Contact:
Nour Mazloum
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
mazloum@investkingston.ca
