Get Your Website Free for a Year: How Canadian Businesses Can Benefit from the Digital Main Street Grant

Upgrade your website for free with Capy

CapY
Design Team
June 10,
2024

Unlock up to $2,400 in funding for your business's website with the Digital Main Street Grant! As businesses outgrow basic platforms like Wix or Squarespace, transitioning to a professional, SEO-optimized website becomes crucial for maintaining growth, improving brand image, and increasing customer engagement. With Capy's subscription model, you get a custom-built, five-page website and a year of maintenance for free, offering continuous support and the latest design trends without upfront costs. Apply today and let Capy elevate your digital footprint, risk-free!

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is key for a business’ success. But, for many small- to medium-sized businesses and startups, the cost of building and maintaining a professional website can pose a significant barrier. With the improvement of ready-made website builders, we’re seeing more and more small- and medium-sized businesses opting to build their first site themselves. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are fantastic for getting started, but as your business grows, so do your needs. Upgrading from that first starter site to something that is built by a professional is an inevitable next step if you want to continue growing. Professional expertise in design and management  is not only necessary for technical Search Engine Optimization (SEO), but is key to capturing and elevating your brand’s presence online. Having that know-how on your side can make all the difference in the growth trajectory of your business!

But how do you know if it’s the right time to upgrade your business’s website? This is where things get hard, because there’s no hard and fast answer that’s true for everyone. In our experience, there is significant variation between cases. It has everything to do with the state of your existing site, your goals, and what kind of site you’re hoping to build. This ambiguity is why the Digital Main Street Grant is such a great opportunity. With the Grow Your Business Online grant, Canadian businesses can receive up to $2,400 to cover website builds and upgrades. At Capy, that means you can get your custom five-page site built and maintained for free for a whole year, risk-free!

Introducing the Digital Main Street Grant

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, Digital Main Street is collaborating with the federal government of Canada and other regional partners to offer a grant of up to $2,400 to cover eligible costs such as developing a site, upgrading your existing site with new functionality, and implementing essential e-commerce tools.

Why a Professional Website Matters

A professional website is more than just an online business card. It’s a powerful tool that can:

  • Enhance Your Brand Image: A well-designed site reflects your brand’s professionalism and credibility.
  • Generate Revenue: By streamlining the purchasing process and integrating effective sales tools, a well-crafted website can directly contribute to your bottom line, making it a valuable investment that pays for itself over time.
  • Improve Customer Engagement: Engaging design and user-friendly navigation can keep visitors on your site longer and encourage interaction.
  • Enhance Visibility: SEO-friendly designs help increase your visibility in organic search, making it findable on search engines like Google.

At Capy, we build sites on a subscription model, which means you get continuous support, regular updates, and the latest web design trends without any upfront costs.

Who Can Apply?/ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Digital Main Street grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

  • For-profit Business: This includes for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives.
  • Registered or Incorporated: Your business must be legally registered or incorporated.
  • Consumer-facing: You should provide services directly to consumers or be accessible to end-use consumers.
  • Employee Requirements: You must have at least one employee (excluding the owner or contractors) or have generated at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.
  • Commitment: You must commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for at least six months after the program. (This works well with our subscription!)

Ineligible Businesses

Unfortunately, not all businesses qualify for this grant. The following are ineligible:

  • Corporate chains, franchises, and registered charities.
  • Multi-level marketing representatives.
  • Brokerage firms and their agents (e.g., real estate, investment, insurance).
  • Online reselling, drop-shipping businesses, and those relying on third-party suppliers.
  • Wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing businesses unless they include direct sales to end consumers.
  • Businesses that have already received a CDAP microgrant from DMS or another intermediary

How to Apply for the Grant

Applying for the Digital Main Street grant is straightforward:

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Review the criteria above to ensure your business qualifies.
  2. Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary information such as your business registration details, employee data, or financial statements.
  3. Submit Your Application: Visit the Digital Main Street website to submit your application.

Why Choose Capy?

At Capy, we specialize in creating stunning, functional websites that drive results. Our subscription-based model means you get:

  • Expert Design and Development: Access to top-notch web designers and developers.
  • Ongoing Support: Continuous updates and support to keep your site running smoothly.
  • SEO Optimization: All Capy sites are built with SEO optimized to enhance your online visibility.
  • Risk-Free Solution: With the Digital Main Street grant, you can start with no out-of-pocket expenses for the first year. It’s a risk-free opportunity to see the growth potential of a professional website for your business.

Get Started Today!

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to elevate your online presence at no initial cost. Apply for the Digital Main Street grant today and let Capy help you build the website your business deserves.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us or schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can assist you in leveraging this grant and transforming your digital footprint.

“A professional website is more than just an online business card; it’s a powerful tool that enhances your brand image, improves customer engagement, and generates revenue.”