NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND NORCAT
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As part of the Digital Main Street Community Collaboration Program, NORCAT and the Timmins Chamber, in partnership with Digital Main Street and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is proud to announce the launch of two projects under this initiative. The first, Facilitating Digitization for SME's, aims to upgrade technological infrastructure within the Timmins Business community and provide immediate solutions to businesses in need of a digital presence. The second is the development of five micro-grants, in the amount of $2000, to be awarded to five local businesses by way of an application process.
The Facilitating Digitization for SME's initiative will help bridge this technological infrastructure gap in Timmins while subsequently bringing local businesses online. While Northern Ontario continues to be historically underfunded in broadband infrastructure and many lack capacity within their organization to pursue viable tech platforms, the need to pivot to online has been found to be vital to their continuity and recovery.
"The pandemic has made clear the need for any small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit, or charity to look to digital platforms to ensure their businesses' ongoing viability," said Melanie Verreault, President of the Timmins Chamber. "As the "Voice of Business in Timmins" since 1949, The Chamber seeks to create business opportunities and support them in any way we can. Understanding that SMEs and other organizations lack the human resources needed to create, curate, and actively maintain an online presence, The Chamber is pleased to partner with NORCAT and Digital Main Street to deliver this timely program."
The Chamber's Digital Transformation Micro-grant, in the amount of $10,000, has also been established as part of this partnership to provide immediate assistance to five worthy businesses in search of enhancing their digital presence. The applications to submit for these five $2000 grants can be found on The Chamber's website and reviewed by a committee established by The Chamber. Entrepreneurs looking for support in creating their online marketplaces or instituting new forms of technology to grow their business are encouraged to apply to the grant.
"Community involvement was a critical part in the process of identifying the real needs and issues that our Northern Ontario small businesses we're facing in light of COVID-19," said Brendan Skiffington. Skiffington is the Program Coordinator for the DMS Future Proof program in Northern Ontario. "Through problem identifying workshops with the dedicated partners in Timmins, it became evident that local businesses did not have the necessary infrastructure or capacity to properly and efficiently transition their business online, ultimately resulting in steep declines in revenue."
Street – Future Proof program will help businesses in Timmins and the surrounding region to digitally transform their current operations and will provide essential support during these challenging times while working towards economic recovery and future opportunities."
This new program will help 'future proof' Northern Ontario small business' and drive economic recovery. It will ensure local main street firms are well equipped to maintain clients, jobs and revenue in any economic storm and continue to operate and grow in any climate.
To apply for the Digital Transformation Micro-grant, visit: www.timminschamber.on.ca
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