NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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To help support local small businesses, the City of Barrie is joining Digital Main Street’s ShopHERE powered by Google program, which helps independent businesses and artists build a digital presence and minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Having a strong digital presence is critical in these times. The ShopHERE program will provide more of Barrie’s local businesses and artists with the training and expertise to launch and maintain online stores and participate in the digital economy,” said Stephannie Schlichter, director of Economic and Creative Development.
The program started in the City of Toronto and in May, Google Canada announced a $1 million investment to enable Digital Main Street to expand the program to municipalities across the country, offering more businesses and artists the opportunity to build their own online store.
“Since Google began its business in Canada nearly 20 years ago, we’ve been focused on helping Canadian businesses of all sizes to unlock the prosperity of the internet,” says Sabrina Geremia, VP and country manager, Google Canada. “We remain optimistic and more determined than ever that technology is the toolkit for a world of opportunities. Our $1 million investment will go towards expanding the ShopHERE program nationally, so we can help small businesses across Canada navigate the challenges ahead.”
The program is now available to small businesses in Barrie. Local businesses and artists can apply for the program online to get their online store built at no-cost.
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