As a business owner in the Kingston area, adapting to the growing necessity of being online might pose challenges. Starting from scratch can be cost-prohibitive, and you might be unaware of the resources available for business owners.
However, there is potential assistance in the form of grants.
Are you curious about grants that can turn your goals into reality? We have got you covered!
In today’s digital age, businesses must utilize digital marketing strategies to remain competitive as consumers increasingly rely on digital devices for information and sales research.
The professionals here at okwrite recognize the necessity of going online and also understand how hard it can be to navigate the world of grant-finding. We have researched available marketing grants to help businesses like yours thrive online.
Many grant opportunities are available to start-ups, especially Kingston businesses. They range from grants in technology and education to social impact investment. Keeping up-to-date with all these programs can be a big challenge, so okwrite has done the hard part for you.
Whether you want to get started with content marketing or bolster your current efforts, we have put together this grant guide to set you in the right direction.
Finding Grant Applications to Fund Your Business Ideas
Many grants are available to those just starting a business or growing an existing one, allowing for competition while encouraging new ideas and growth.
Our comprehensive Ontario (and even local to Kingston) guide outlines the different grants and government funding opportunities that can help fund your digital adoption projects.
It is not easy to find relevant grants, which is why our team has combed through many websites and programs to provide a comprehensive list of applicable grants that are currently open and those that apply to local Kingston businesses.
okwrite can help you find applicable grant applications and take advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunities. Let’s find out how these resources can help you build a more substantial business.
What is Digital Main Street?
Digital Main Street is an online platform and service available to Ontario businesses to assist them in adopting digital tools and technologies. Businesses in Kingston are eligible to participate.
Digital Main Street is an innovative public-private partnership that helps small business owners and is supported by founding partners such as the City of Toronto, Google, and MasterCard. Product Partners like Microsoft have developed specific software to help small businesses get off the ground.
The government of Canada has taken several necessary steps to support the digital economy.
In Canada, being at the forefront of technology and entrepreneurship, grants are crucial for covering business technology costs.
This helps drive innovation, create job opportunities for graduates, and contribute to overall business growth.
Since the launch of Digital Main Street, over six thousand businesses have benefited from free digital training, consultations, and nationwide workshops to enhance their e-commerce strategies.
This support is vital for companies looking to adopt digital technologies, helping them recover lost revenue during the pandemic and become more resilient and competitive in their recovery efforts.
okwrite is proud to be included as a vendor on Digital Main Street.
Ontario Small Business Grants for Your Business
The following is a snippet of the Ontario small business grants that may apply to your business:
Ontario
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program – Deadline for 2024 has passed; check back in November 2024
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) is a grant program providing Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs with business development training, tailored coaching, networking opportunities, and a one-time $10,000 grant to support their ventures.
Eligibility requirements:
To qualify for consideration, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
1. Registered with the Canada Revenue Agency
2. Employ 1 to 10 full-time equivalent employees, including the business owner, or up to 25 employees for businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector, per the North American Industry Classification System.
3. Operate in Ontario as of November 17, 2023.
4. Affirm compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate-related laws under the Criminal Code.
5. Not a franchise, not-for-profit organization, charity, Crown corporation, government agency, public administration, political organization, or a business primarily engaged in activities related to tobacco, firearms, other weapons, related equipment, sexual nature, or limited memberships for purposes other than capacity or regulations.
6. The owner of the business must be:
– Indigenous, Black, or another racialized individual (self-identification required in the application).
– 18 years of age or older.
– Legally permitted to operate a business in Canada.
– Currently living and operating their business in Ontario.
– Committed to participating in the training and coaching, including networking components of the program (with a minimum total time requirement of 10 hours) and developing a Business Action Plan to scale their business.
– Has not participated in the RAISE grant program in previous years.
Additional information and supporting documentation may be necessary to validate eligibility.
The Women’s Business Accelerator (WBA)- Deadline March 11th to April 24, 2024
The Women’s Business Accelerator (WBA) is a free online workshop series that will equip you with the tools you need to build a profitable business. While not a grant, this initiative focuses on providing valuable insights and knowledge to business owners.
This program is made possible by the Access Community Capital Fund, based in Toronto, a registered Canadian charity providing microloans and support to individuals striving to enhance their economic livelihood. Now conducted on Zoom, the accelerator programs are open to eligible applicants across Canada.
Workshops are held Monday and Wednesday from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be permanent residents, convention refugees, or live-in caregivers with a legal right to work in Canada. Individuals who are Ukrainian temporary residents and have a business idea or interest in starting a business in Canada are eligible to apply
- The application process involves completing an online registration form.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) is a valuable initiative offering direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia aiming to invest in training for their workforce.
Tailored for businesses of all sizes, including small, medium, and large enterprises, COJG facilitates short-term training programs for both existing and new employees.
This grant presents a strategic opportunity for employers to enhance their workforce’s skills, fostering professional development and contributing to the overall growth and success of businesses across Ontario.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Hold a valid business license in Ontario.
- Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act.
- Comply with all applicable federal and provincial human rights legislation, regulations, and other relevant standards.
- Not affiliated with federal, provincial, or municipal government or agencies.
- Not associated with Employment Service or a Canada-Ontario Job Grant service provider.
- Do not receive other government funds for the same skills training for the same individual(s).
- Maintain adequate third-party liability insurance as advised by your insurance broker.
- Possess Workplace Safety Insurance coverage.
Kingston Economic Development Corporation – Business Grant Support Program- Deadline Ongoing
The Business Grant Support Program is designed to help businesses access funding programs and offset the expenses of hiring a grant writer.
Eligible businesses can receive a grant of up to $2,000 to cover costs related to writing a grant application. The funding mechanism provides a reimbursement of 50% of actual costs, with a maximum commitment of $2,000, offering direct financial support for businesses in their grant-seeking efforts.
Canada Digital Adoption Program- Deadline Ongoing
As a component of the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), the Government of Canada has collaborated with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to introduce the Boost Your Online Business grant.
This initiative offers small business proprietors the opportunity to receive a micro-grant, with a value of up to $2,400, aimed at facilitating the establishment of their online presence, enhancing their e-commerce footprint, or digitizing business operations. The CDAP program functions as a reimbursement grant, requiring successful applicants to cover costs upfront after receiving conditional approval.
Funds are disbursed once recipients furnish the necessary proof of payment documentation to the OCC. Grant beneficiaries must uphold their digital adoption strategy for at least six months.
If you receive a grant through the Boost Your Online Business program, you can work with e-commerce advisors to get help with identifying your digital needs, accessing digital resources, completing your application, and getting answers to any program-related questions.
Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund – Deadline is January 23, 2023, by 5:00 pm ET.
The Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) is a tax credit in Ontario that can be refunded and calculated based on qualifying Ontario labor expenses and eligible marketing and distribution costs incurred by a qualifying corporation concerning interactive digital media products.
The OIDMTC offers a refundable tax credit for eligible corporations creating interactive digital media products. For non-specified products, a 40% credit applies to eligible Ontario labour and marketing expenses, while specified products receive a 35% credit on labour costs. Digital game corporations enjoy a 35% credit on labour expenditures.
There are no limits on eligible labour expenses or per-project or annual caps on claiming OIDMTC. However, eligible marketing and distribution expenses for non-specified products are capped at $100,000.
Eligibility requirements:
A qualifying corporation refers to a Canadian entity, whether Canadian or foreign-owned, that creates an eligible product at a permanent establishment in Ontario and files an Ontario tax return.
Not eligible for the OIDMTC are corporations designated as labour-sponsored venture capital corporations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) regulations and those exempt from tax or controlled directly or indirectly by a tax-exempt corporation.
okwrite is an excellent resource that can help with web design, video content, and SEO. Reach out to our team to learn more about how you can maximize this unique Ontario small business support grant!
ShopHERE- Check back in
ShopHERE offers complimentary online store development services for independent small businesses and artists. The initiative is financially supported by the province of Ontario and essential corporate sponsors, aiming to assist businesses and artists in Ontario in establishing a presence and thriving in the online marketplace.
The program benefits include help with building and launching your online store, training on effective management, and support for marketing efforts.
You will receive complimentary one-on-one support for building and launching your online store and numerous additional benefits.
Eligibility requirements:
- Businesses with fewer than ten full-time employees (twenty-five for restaurants)
- Registered business in Ontario
- Inclusive of both traditional businesses and artists
- Eligible for both home-based and commercial businesses
okwrite is Here to Help With Your Digital Adoption
Whether you’re looking for an experienced team to create a content cluster or a content strategist to help you plan before jumping into the next big project, okwrite covers everything from development to ever-important messaging. Our premium marketing services include a unique combination of business solutions and digital production services to serve your business needs.
Our team boasts over a decade of combined experience and can help you develop a budget for your project and handcraft messaging strategies. If your business might benefit from this type of investment, we can discuss the various grants and contributions available to you.
If you do not see a grant you are eligible for listed here, we may be able to find one that fits your business or situation better. Do not hesitate to enquire.
Our Content Marketing Managed Services is an excellent option if you’re looking for all the benefits of an in-house marketing team for a fraction of the cost of keeping one. We will create fantastic blog posts and develop a marketing strategy to help you efficiently reach your audience and grow your business.
Contact us today—we’d love to have a conversation with you!
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