East Gwillimbury joins shopHERE to help local businesses adapt amid COVID-19 pandemic

Online tool powered by Google helps independent businesses, artists build website at limited to no cost

Yorkregion.com
July 7, 2020
Simon Martin

To support local small businesses, the Town of East Gwillimbury has joined ShopHERE to help them build an online presence.

The online tool, powered by Google, helps independent businesses and artists build a website at limited to no cost.

“The ability of our local businesses to adapt their operations to the new realities imposed by COVID-19 has been critical to their success during these challenging economic times," Mayor Virginia Hackson said.

"This venture, coupled with our Emergency Response Benefit, are just two ways that we can help our businesses and ensure they have the tools in their tool box to be successful during this stressful time,” Hackson said.

In May, Google Canada invested $1 million in a partnership with the City of Toronto and Digital Main Street to expand the shopHERE program for municipalities across the country.

East Gwillimbury joined the partnership that aims to help businesses establish a website, and receive the digital skills training they need to be successful.

Local businesses and artists who are interested can apply for the program at www.digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere to get their online store built at no-cost.

The town is hoping to have 25 local businesses online this year.