The StrongerBC Launch Online Grant program opened for application on February 3rd.
Businesses can apply for up-to $7,500 to create and enhance their e-commerce operations, working in partnership with a B.C.-based business, such as Glacier Media Digital.
The initiative is supported by $12 million in provincial funding focused on local business and driving economic growth across British Columbia. Up to 25 per cent of that government funding is also reserved for Indigenous or regional businesses.
What is it?
The maximum government contribution is $7,500 (up to 75 per cent) to build an online storefront, improve existing e-commerce platforms and acquire customers through digital advertising. One application per business may be submitted.
The Launch Online program stipulates that recipients work with a local service provider to implement their digital marketing strategy. Glacier Media Digital works with local businesses across Western Canada to build digital marketing presence. The agency is well-versed in all areas of digital marketing, with a history of proven results. One of its key differentiators is transparency, and this is important to know as another condition of the grant is that recipients need to file a detailed report outlining the impact of their results at the six-month mark.
How Should I Use This?
First and foremost, the grant requires businesses to build or improve their e-commerce presence. Your digital service provider can work with you to help create your online inventory and sales platform.
Once this is established, there are a number of tactics to reach your buyer audience.
Here are a few tactics that Glacier Media Digital offers and recommend to clients:
Search Engine Optimization - consistent adjustment to your site to improve organic search results
Search Engine Marketing - paid reach to capture an audience using search keywords
Community Display - digital display ads on trusted publications that can be locally targeted
Google Shopping - use of search advertising to show your inventory to users with purchase intent
Social Advertising - use of social advertising to show your inventory to users with purchase intent
Programmatic - digital display ads across the internet targeted by the site, search and contextual behaviour
Hurry! These funds are available until the grant money is claimed.
Claims are processed in the order they’re received.
If you’re ready to move forward with your grant application and are looking for expertise on how to add digital into your business, email us here.
If you need advice on how to create your application or assistance compiling the requirements, email us here.
