With more consumers making their purchases online, the BC government has decided to provide funding for over 1,500 small- and medium-sized businesses in BC to have their own Ecommerce websites built or upgraded.
The Launch Online Ecommerce Grant program
It’s part of an initiative called the Launch Online Grant program, which provides eligible businesses with up to $7,500 to create, or improve, an online store. The primary goal of this $12 million investment by the province is to help businesses adapt to recent changes in consumer behaviour and sell their products online.
The reliance on online shopping has increased significantly over the last few years, with over $305 billion in ecommerce sales in Canada in 2019 and approximately double that number in 2020. Ecommerce sales are expected to increase even more in 2021, so by launching or upgrading an online store, local businesses can increase their sales and remain competitive in this rapidly changing business landscape.
Choosing an Ecommerce Development Company to Build Your Online Store
One of the great aspects of the Launch Online Grant program is the flexibility that eligible companies have to select their own style of online store and e-commerce platform.
BC Ecommerce Grant Requirements
The only requirement is that successful applicants must use one or more local BC service providers to build their online store. Through this model, the grant funding can be reinvested in BC digital agencies to generate revenue for local companies and help grow jobs.
As a leading ecommerce developer in BC, Graphically Speaking knows the importance of choosing the platform for your online store. We work with Magento and WooCommerce as our primary ecommerce platforms, as well as many other well-known ecommerce providers to design and develop an online store that’s customized for your business.
From B2C retailers to B2B manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, we have developed hundreds of Ecommerce websites. In fact, we’ve implemented more WordPress Ecommerce sites than any other web agency in Western Canada.
What Can I Use the BC Ecommerce Grant For?
Recipients of the Launch Online Grant can use the funding for a variety of online-related expenses, including pictures, an online inventory system, advertising, subscription costs of an ecommerce platform, and training staff to manage the website, all of which Graphically Speaking can help with.
“Businesses need access to the tools and supports that will help them adapt and pivot during this uniquely challenging time,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This program will provide business owners with the ability to expand their online presence and create a customized e-commerce site that will give them the boost they need to keep moving forward.”
The program, which is administered by Alacrity Canada, is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response. Small-and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to apply online: www.launchonline.ca
Watch Facebook Video of Join Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation, for an announcement about a new grant program for BC-based small- and medium-sized businesses
More Important Information:
The Launch Online Grant program is based on a first come, first-served basis. The program will run until September 30, 2021, or until all funds are distributed.
Eligibility criteria for businesses include having:
- a goods and services tax number and paying taxes in BC;
- generated sales of more than $30,000 in either 2019 or 2020;
- one to 149 employees (applications can be submitted by sole proprietors); and
- repeatable products, or in the case of artists and jewellers, individual items that have slight differences (e.g., paintings and rings).
- As part of the application, businesses are required to develop a grant proposal that indicates how they plan to use the funds.
Get Started With Your BC Ecommerce Grant Process Today
At Graphically Speaking, we are committed to helping businesses develop an ecommerce website that will deliver a experience your customers expect both rapidly and cost effectively.
Contact us today to help you navigate the grant process and get your new online store set up rapidly and effectively.
We encourage you to explore our portfolio to learn more and contact us to learn how we can help you start or improve your B2B ecommerce website.
The team at Graphically Speaking would love to help you implement an e-commerce store and assist your business in taking advantage of this $7,500 grant opportunity.
Learn more about our ecommerce development experience and don’t hesitate to
contact us for a free consultation.