Lincoln, ON – (August 24, 2022) – The Town of Lincoln has secured a Digital Main Street (DMS) grant of $93,000 to deliver Digital Service Squad (DSS), a program that is instrumental in helping local businesses enhance their online capabilities.
“At a time when more and more business is being conducted online, the Digital Service Squad program strengthens the ability of Lincoln business owners to succeed by improving access to e-commerce tools and information,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “The program supports Council’s vision and is just one of the ways we are meeting our priorities of being a welcoming, connected, vibrant, and resilient community.”
Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street, with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses at no cost to help them complete an online assessment and introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses develop their Digital Transformation Plan and then apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.
The Town has been administering the DSS program since 2019, offering free resources to help businesses with digital transformation initiatives. To date, the program has supported approximately 150 businesses, with 38 businesses receiving the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant for digital upgrades of their choice.
“Our small businesses are the backbone of Lincoln’s economy and the heartbeat of our community,” said Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Lincoln. “Investing in a program like DMS, that provides tools our small businesses can use to increase their revenues, create jobs, and better withstand crises like COVID-19, is essential to helping our businesses develop a multi-pronged approach to meet today’s challenges head-on.”
“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support the Lincoln squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in Lincoln to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”
ABOUT Town of Lincoln
The Town of Lincoln, located in the heart of the Niagara Region, has one of the most diverse economies in Niagara. Serving the communities of Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan, Campden, Tintern, and Rockway. Our community is filled with over 50 wineries and craft beverage establishments, fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, heritage sites, and natural attractions such as the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
ABOUT OBIAA
OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in developing and sharing information, tools, resources and best practices and is the ONE voice on common issues.
ABOUT Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and our Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, and Lightspeed. The program is delivered by Pan Canada in support of small businesses thanks to the support of all three levels of government.
For more information, visit www.digitalmainstreet.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 230
Tel: 905-563-8205