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Owning a business today means owning a lot of uncertainty. Every business has different needs, but all businesses, from restaurants to beauty services to contractors, need new and easy ways to reach buyers online and in person, and to manage their operations. In response, Square has partnered with Digital Main Street (DMS) to provide tools and resources to all types of small businesses — from boutique shops to salons, home repair technicians to healthcare practitioners and restaurants to retailers — to modernize their operations, helping them to rebuild by creating new ways of doing business.
What is Digital Main Street?
Digital Main Street is a program that helps all businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs and the Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help Main Street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology. Digital Main Street is supported by the Federal Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Province of Ontario and key corporate partners including: Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Square, Shopify, Facebook and Intuit Quickbooks.
Are you aware of all the DMS Programs you have access to as a small business owner?
- DMS ShopHERE Powered by Google helps small business owners get set up online to sell their products and services. The program provides every type of business, from restaurants to contractors, with the ability to quickly launch a website free with Square. And businesses only pay when they make a sale.
- DMS Future Proof helps businesses of all types and sizes uncover new markets, pivot where necessary, and develop and implement transformational digital plans. Square is providing a broad set of flexible tools tailored to business owners’ needs — whether that’s taking touch-free payments with contactless hardware, offering delivery and pickup, sending professional invoices, booking appointments, promoting digital gift cards or having a versatile point of sale.
- DMS Ontario Grants provides grants of $2,500 to businesses that need to make a digital transition. Specifically, $1,000 of the grant can be used toward Square hardware, an iPad with your Square Stand or to pair with your Square Reader.
- DMS Academy offers free workshops and tutorials focused on the learning needs of business owners and, alongside other industry experts, Square will host and be part of training for the restaurant and hospitality services and trades, and retail sectors.
We understand you have a lot to think about and do right now. Consider taking advantage of Digital Main Street programs to make the shifts you need to stay connected with your customers. Visit digitalmainstreet.ca to learn more.
