The Launch Online Grant program provides funding to B.C.-based business to create an online shop and/or improve their e-commerce experience to attract new local customers and expand to new markets. The grant will pay for up to 75% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $7,500 per business.
The program supports a rapid response for businesses and is accepting applications from businesses ready to start and finish their online shop within 12 weeks.
Up-to 25% of funds will be reserved for Indigenous businesses and businesses operating outside of the lower mainland and greater Victoria.
The funds must be used to hire B.C.-based company(ies) to do the online store development.
Eligibility:
BC businesses are eligible – including seafood.
Sole or primary operations in BC
Currently operating in BC
Employ less than 149 BC residents
Pay taxes in BC
Maintain a Business licence number, GST number, PST and WorkSafeBC number (where applicable)
Must have generated sales of more than $30,000 in 2019 or the year proceeding the application.
Have repeatable products
Either don’t have an online store or have an online sore with no more than 3 of the following:
Customer registration and information security features
Shopping cart and order management capabilities
Payment processing options including application of appropriate taxes and shipping costs at time of ordering
Product catalogue, search and inventory status
Website analytics and reporting capabilities
Contact for the program is info@launchonline.ca; 844-487-1266