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B.C.’s Launch Online Grant program, which provides funding to businesses to help build or expand e-commerce sites, is expanding to help about 4,000 more businesses.

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Province’s online grant program expands

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:56 PDT, Wed March 17, 2021

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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In response to a high number of applications, the B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million in the Launch Online Grant program.

The program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site to reach more customers and to sustain and grow their business. An online presence is integral for businesses that want to adapt their operations to better reach customers in their community, throughout B.C. and beyond. These changes will help about 4,000 more businesses market their products and services online.

"Many small businesses have had to change the way they operate as more and more people shifted to online purchasing during the pandemic," said Premier John Horgan. "By expanding eligibility to our successful launch online program, more B.C. small businesses from the hardest hit sectors will have access to the tools they need to boost their online presence, grow their e-commerce capacity and become more resilient as we build toward a brighter future."

The new funding is in addition to the February 2021 announcement of $12 million to support 1,500 businesses to enhance or establish their online presence. Currently, over 3,500 businesses from around the province have applied, demonstrating the need for these supports.

Businesses in the hard-hit tourism sector, like tour operators or hotels, and businesses in the service industry, such as massage therapists, personal trainers or hair stylists, can now access the grants to build or improve their online booking systems.

As part of the eligibility enhancements, 30 per cent of the grant funds will now be reserved for Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned (BIPOC) businesses. This is expanded from the original 25 per cent of grant funds that were reserved for Indigenous and rural businesses.

"The Launch Online Grant program responds to the way the pandemic has changed the business world, and the strong demand shows we are filling an untapped need," said Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon. "In addition to expanding the program, we are reserving a portion of the funds for BIPOC businesses because our recovery must be inclusive, taking care to not leave people behind."

As part of the program, successful applicants will work with local B.C. service providers to complete their online store. Through this model, the grant funding can be reinvested in B.C.-based marketing and technology companies to generate revenues for local companies and help secure and grow jobs.

"The pandemic has impacted so many people throughout B.C., it has also disproportionately impacted people and communities of colour," said Nerissa Allen, president of the Black Business Association of BC. "I am pleased to see funding set aside for the Black, Indigenous and people of colour business community. This change, combined with opening the grant program to service-based businesses, will give business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to access funds that will help revive their business."

The program is administered by Alacrity Canada. Small and medium-sized businesses can apply online: www.launchonline.ca