The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), in partnership with the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), have been waiting for an update on the status of the DMS Ontario Grants Program (OGP) that includes the Digital Transformation Grant and the Digital Service Squad Grant. Unfortunately, the Province has decided NOT to renew the program beyond March 31, 2024.
While the Province did acknowledge the immense success of the program i.e., impacting over 82,000 businesses across the province, they are unable to continue providing financial support. It goes without saying that we, at OBIAA, are truly disappointed by this decision. That said, you are free to contact your local MPP to voice your support for the program and the accomplishments we have realized together, while acknowledging what still needs to be accomplished. Small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities. It is vital that we continue to support them with the knowledge, resources, and training to strengthen and secure their online presence for success in the future.
OBIAA thanks you for your support of the program and dedication to the livelihood of your local small businesses. It has been our honour to work on this project, which saw Digital Service Squads deployed around the province, and in the 5+ years that we have been the granting body, we have supported more than 16,000 small businesses with Digital Transformation Grants.
It is worthy to note that this program has provided new opportunities and work experiences which, in turn, have opened new doors for many of our Digital Service Squad members and opened many doors for the small businesses supported.
The OBIAA website has many videos and progress reports sharing the success of this impactful program.
