Cornwall, ON – The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is excited to announce the arrival of Penny Rudderham, as the new Digital Service Advisor part of our Digital Service Squad through Digital Main Street. With her expertise in digital services, Penny is set to help local businesses in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and Akwesasne take advantage of the latest digital tools and strategies.

As one of Digital Main Streets key initiatives, Penny will be working with small business owners across the region by supporting their application to the Digital Transformation Grant. Digital Main Street has re-opened the application portal for a limited time between January 10th and January 31st, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. This grant aims to support local businesses in their digital transformation journey by providing financial assistance for various digital services. From creating a Google Business profile to developing a professional website and implementing effective social media marketing strategies, the grant will help businesses enhance their online presence and reach a wider audience.

Eligible businesses can start the application process now by creating or entering their account, and then completing the digital assessment and online training through the Digital Main Street Portal at digitalmainstreet.ca.

Also available to small businesses is Shop Here, a digital platform launched by Digital Main Street, which has also been useful in assisting businesses in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. This platform allows local businesses to establish an online presence and sell their products or services to a larger customer base. With the pandemic accelerating the shift towards online shopping, Shop Here has helped many businesses, adapt to changing consumer behavior and stay afloat during these challenging times.

Digital Main Street has been actively supporting businesses in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and Akwesasne with a range of digital services. By providing assistance to set up Google Business profiles, creating professional websites, and implementing effective social media marketing strategies, Digital Main Street has helped numerous businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

With the addition of Penny Rudderham as the new Digital Service Advisor, the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is well-equipped to guide local businesses through their digital transformation journey. Penny’s expertise and passion for digital services will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of businesses in the region.

Businesses who would like assistance applying to the Digital Transformation Grant or online digital support, are encouraged to contact the Business Enterprise Centre and speak with Penny directly at (613) 930-2787 ext. 2560 or prudderham@cornwall.ca.

About Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre:

The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Cornwall and the surrounding area. They provide support, guidance, and resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.

About Digital Main Street:

Digital Main Street (DMS) was created and launched by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) in 2016 with direct support from the City of Toronto. The program is also supported by a group of strategic partners including: Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, and Lightspeed.

With an investment from Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and administered by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA), this program provides qualifying brick-and-motor small businesses with up to $2,500 to help adopt technology and meet their digital goals.

Digital Main Street is an active and progressive program focused on helping small businesses adopt digital tools and technologies and embrace digital marketing. The program is based on three important components: Knowledge transfer through online training and assessments, Resources including Digital Transformation Grants and support through Digital Service Squads.