Learn About Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street is a Toronto-based non-profit that assists main street businesses with their adoption of technology with easy-to-use tools and resources. Kingston EcDev has been a proud partner of Digital Main Street since 2019. More than 400 Kingston businesses have received support through Digital Main Street programs, including the Digital Transformation Grant, ShopHERE, Future Proof, 360 photos, and consultations with our local Digital Street Squad.
Digital Transformation Grant: A $2,500 grant for downtown and main street businesses to invest in digital marketing and digital business tools such as a new or updated website, social media marketing, search engine marketing, point of sale system, e-commerce, video marketing, etc. Currently not available.
ShopHERE: Receive a free e-commerce store! Available to independent businesses anywhere in Ontario, including home-based businesses, artists, and non-profits. You get a custom-built website, free .CA domain, 90-day free trial, training on how to manage and market your store, plus ad incentives from Facebook, Google, and more.
Future Proof: This program assists businesses with identifying new markets, pivoting their business model, and developing and implementing a thorough digital transformation plan. The Future Proof Transformation Teams work closely with businesses over several weeks to provide specialized and in-depth business transformation services.
Digital Street Squad: Chris Morris, the Digital Street Squad member for Kingston, is available to help you figure out the best Digital Main Street program for your business. Whether you need help with launching a new website, an email marketing campaign, a loyalty program, marketing your business on Google, or any other technology or online marketing challenges, the Street Squad is here to help you through it!
Promote Your Business Online
There are a number of amazing community resources available to let the public know about your business. We recommend reaching out to each of these organizations to get your business listed for free!
Free Digital Marketing Tools
Figuring out how and where to get started can be tough, but there are plenty of amazing, and free, resources and tools to help you navigate the massive world of digital marketing. Digital Main Street published a Digital Starter Kit for Small Businesses, and Kingston EcDev has compiled a list of 40+ Free Digital Business Tools. Combine that with the Free SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Guidebook from Spark and you'll be off to a great start!
Tazwiz supports entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting them to local students and professionals to complete tasked-based work. They offer $500 in Tazwiz credits for up to 125 Kingston companies.
The Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is an immersive, highly practical online program designed to enable your business’ digital transformation and catalyze scalable opportunities for growth through a series of seminars, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship with industry experts at no cost.
Start Selling Online
Whether you want to offer curbside pickup, book appointments online, or deliver worldwide, we're here to help you get started, and to stay visible.
ShopHERE - start selling online with Shopify through Digital Main Street's ShopHERE program. You'll receive a fully functional, custom-designed Shopify website and store, and receive training on managing and marketing your new e-commerce platform. Retail, services, artists, home-based businesses and non-profits are eligible.
Shopify offers free 14-day trials. Carissa Cosgrove, the Local Community Manager for Shopify in Kingston, offers support, training and 1:1 appointments to help you get started, and to help you keep going!
Kingston Digital Marketers Directory
If you've done as much as you can on your own and want to hire someone to take you to the next level, we've compiled a list of Kingston area digital marketing freelancers and agencies that can work with you on web design, graphic design, photo, video, social media, e-commerce, and so much more!
Book a Free Consultation
Few digital marketing resources can be one size fits all. For recommendations that are tailored to you and your business, we'd be happy to have a chat with you. Whether you want to hire a local freelancer or agency, or if you prefer to learn how to do the work yourself, we'll point you in the right direction! Please contact our Digital Business Advisor, Chris Morris, for a free consultation to help you with any digital marketing challenges you may be facing: web design, social media, e-commerce, email marketing, content creation, and much more.
Interested in Digital Support?
Complete the form below and someone from our team will contact you within one business day.
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Starting a small business? Learn how Kingston Economic Development can help!