As the world continues to shift into a digital space – a need proven even more prudent by the COVID-19 pandemic – the Town of Perth will be maintaining digital support to local businesses and beyond. Following two previous implentations of Digital Main Street by the Downtown Perth BIA, the Town of Perth has been awarded the Digital Service Squad (DSS) grant to continue to build upon this success.

Grant funding will enable the Perth Digital Service Squad to provide support to businesses in building up their digital capacity and skills, including e-commerce activation, social media management, website development, training, and more. The ultimate goal of the program is to position businesses to adapt to the changing needs of consumers moving forward.

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“In the past 17 months, as small businesses across the province fought to stay open and keep customers engaged online, Digital Service Squads were there to help,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director of OBIAA. “Squads jumped online themselves during lockdowns to help virtually, and businesses have consistently told us how important the DSS were to their success through the pandemic. We are thrilled to support the Perth Digital Service Squad and help them provide assistance to even more small businesses than ever.”

The Perth Digital Service Squad will not only support businesses within the Town’s borders, but to businesses that are located within the catchment area of the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as the surrounding townships of Drummond North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands and Tay Valley.

“Ontario small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction for Ontario. “Our government is committed to being there for them as they reopen. This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever.”

Interested businesses are encouraged to contact the Perth Digital Service Squad coordinator Connor Renouf at ecdev@perth.ca.

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