Small businesses to benefit from new digital support program

  By Alan Kausy

Establishing an increased online presence can be time-consuming and intimidating for small business owners, but a free support program is now being offered to assist entrepreneurs with that process.

Home-based and commercial businesses that employ less than 49 staff members can apply to receive professional assistance in creating and maintaining a website, enhancing their social media existence, creating digital photo or video content or initializing an eCommerce platform to sell products or services.

Funded by the Alberta government, the Digital Service Squad program is facilitated in partnership with Business Link, Digital Main Street, and the U of A. It was initially developed in Toronto in 2016 and will remain available until March 31, 2023. Bachelor of Commerce students from the U of A comprises a portion of the Digital Consultants that train the business owners.

Sturgeon County entered into the joint partnership, along with the Town of Morinville, in early 2022, and they are accepting applicants from any small businesses situated within the county.

Community Futures St. Paul is responsible for overseeing the establishment and facilitation of the program that will serve the regions of Smoky Lake, Bonnyville, Lamont, Lac La Biche, St. Paul, Elk Island and Cold Lake. They have hired qualified individuals that will provide training and advice on a one-on-one individual basis.

Penny Fox is the General Manager of Community Futures for St. Paul and Smoky Lake, and she is enthusiastic about the benefits this program will have for local businesses.

“The program will help small businesses with 49 employees or less to increase their digital presence in every way they need to. Whether it’s social media, updating websites or an online sales program, the Digital Service Squad member will train and teach them how to do it during a step-by-step process”, stated Ms. Fox.

The business owner will then have the knowledge and skills to perform necessary digital activities on their behalf to thrive without accruing any associated educational costs financially.

Leanne McBean is the Business Retention Expansion Lead for Sturgeon County, and business owners may contact her at Lmcbean@sturgeoncounty.ca. Further information is available at www.startinsturgeon.ca.

Community Futures St. Paul oversees the program for entrepreneurs within their region, and Penny Fox is the contact person for those wishing to apply. She may be reached at 780-645-5782 or by email at penny.fox@cfspsl.ca.

For additional information on the Digital Economy Program or to view affiliated educational videos, go to www.digitalmainstreet.ca  or visit www.yourdep.ca. `