NORCAT and Digital Main Street have teamed up to support local businesses in Northern Ontario. Together they are offering Future Proof, a program designed to support local businesses by helping them to improve their online presence.
Free Digital Marketing Supports
The Transformation Teams stream of the Future Proof program pairs small businesses in Northern Ontario with teams of digital marketers, web designers and creatives to help existing main street businesses adapt to changes in their respective sector. Each team works closely with the local business for up to four weeks to deliver tailored training and support for businesses looking to improve their online presence. Transformation Teams and the Future Proof program is free to business in Northern Ontario through the funding provided by the provincial government’s Ministry for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT).
“Since NORCAT’s launch of the program in August 2020, our teams have helped dozens of businesses enhance their digital presence - from brand development and content creation to blog and content writing to graphic and web design,” says Paula Morrow, Future Proof Transformation Team Lead with NORCAT.
Proof of Success is in the Popsicle
Papaya Pops, a local business in Chelmsford north of Sudbury is the perfect example of how Transformation Teams can provide meaningful supports to local businesses. Their brilliant digital marketing plan is evident on their website as well as on social media (Facebook and Instagram).
“Throughout the program, we conducted a competitor analysis, built a user experience/user interface, and designed and developed an e-commerce website,” Paula says. “We also assisted with copywriting both for the website and social media, created a social media strategy and numerous templates and last but certainly not least, we developed a brand that best represented their strong core values and personality.”
According to Roxanne Langemann, Owner/Operator of Papaya Pops, the Transformation Team program is priceless. “My experience with the Digital Main Street team was amazing from start to finish,” she says. “They helped me with branding, social media and the website for my small business. I can't say enough great things about the program and the professional staff. I'm grateful for the support and recommend this service to any business.”
The proof of the successful partnership is in the popsicles. “Since Roxanne’s completion of the program, she recently opened her ice pop shop. She makes delicious frozen treats using as many local ingredients as possible and lots of love,” reports Paula.
Applications are Still Open
Though the Transformation Teams program is coming to an end soon, they are still accepting applications. Businesses must be registered and/or incorporated in Ontario, they cannot be a corporate chain or franchise, and they must be available during business hours for Transformation Team meetings. The application form is available at digitalmainstreet.ca/future-proofing-form.
For more information about the Transformation Teams, visit www.norcat.org/innovation/digital-main-street.html.
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