The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce recognizes the deep struggles many traditional businesses have faced during the recent COVID-19 pandemic operating from traditional bricks and mortar locations.
Not only have they faced great challenges in staying connected with customers, many have been impacted by great financial losses. There is an immediate need to assist our small business community in moving into virtual service platforms to carry out E-Commerce. Consumer habits have shifted and the Chamber is working hard to support businesses to be prepared to serve customers in new ways that will increase profitability, raise confidence and help them rebound.
The Chamber is extending a project, supported by ACOA, to assist businesses in supplying existing customers and creating new markets by selling online. Our goal is to support small businesses in using E-commerce to their advantage in a way that fits their business model, as well as support businesses currently engaging in E-Commerce to enhance their services or streamline processes.
We will also be offering educational workshops, both in person and online, on a number of E-commerce related topics.
We look forward to working with you to expand E-commerce offerings in the community.
Eligibility Criteria for applicants:
- Operating for more than 12 months
- Registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks or comparable federal body
- Has not already received direct financial support from the Chamber’s E-commerce project from June 2020-March 2021 to set up online sales.
Eligible Expenses
- Training and coaching related to the operation of the selected online platform.
- Professional services to assist with the set up of an online platform to allow for sales to customers.
- Enhancements of existing websites, i.e. support to add widgets or plug ins as outlined in the Needs Assessment along with an explanation on how they would enhance online platforms
The program can provide a reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of the eligible costs (pre HST) up to a maximum amount per business. This amount is based on the results of the applicant’s Needs Assessment completed by one of the four Chamber-recommended E-Commerce and marketing professionals as assigned by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce project manager.
The Chamber is not responsible for covering the cost of registration for online shopping platforms, ongoing costs related to specific platforms or the volume of sales generated. The Chamber is also not responsible for covering the cost of on-going training, maintenance, equipment or software, or any changes requested that differ from the original submitted assessment for consideration if they are a greater cost than the estimate
Project funding and payments are limited to the funds available in the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce E-Commerce project budget.
This funding is not guaranteed. Any applicant commencing a project prior to approval does so at their own risk.