Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 2, 2026.
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Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program
Get $2,500 in non-repayable funding to modernize your Ontario brick-and-mortar business with digital tools, but the application portal is currently closed so you must wait for it to reopen. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
“Digital Transformation Grant Program is focused on providing qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses with a digital assessment, online training and a $2,500 grant to implement their digital transformation plan.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come before you spend any money. Purchases made prior to grant approval are ineligible for reimbursement.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You run a physical brick-and-mortar business in Ontario with 1 to 50 employees.
- You want to build or improve your website, buy productivity software, or hire help for digital marketing.
- You are an independent business, not a franchise, not-for-profit, or purely online operation.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a franchise, a not-for-profit, or a business that only provides digital services to other businesses.
- You are a start-up or do not yet have a permanent physical location open to the public.
- You have already received this grant since June 21, 2022, or you own multiple businesses since you can only apply for one grant total.
How much you'd realistically get
A fixed $2,500 grant. No interest. No fees stated.
What may be supported
- Website development, redesign, or e-commerce enablement.
- Digital marketing services (hiring a consultant or agency).
- Productivity or social media software (e.g., Hootsuite, LastPass).
- Photography and videography for digital content.
- Hardware up to $1,000 (e.g., POS systems), if deemed necessary.
What's excluded or restricted
- Purchases made prior to grant approval.
- Microsoft Office or equivalent.
- Website hosting.
- Domain name renewal.
- Software subscription renewal.
- Signage and printing, including LED/digital signage.
- Logo redesign and rebranding.
- Unnecessary or excessive equipment (or equipment the business already has and wants to upgrade), as determined by OBIAA.
- iPhones or cell phones of any type, no exceptions.
- Business owner’s salary or current employee salary for executing the project.
- Costs of land, building, or vehicle purchase.
- Print advertising in magazines and newspapers, printed menus, table cards, business cards (even if referencing digital channels).
- Any costs not listed under 'Eligible Costs' are deemed ineligible.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete online training and develop a detailed Digital Transformation Plan before applying. You also need to submit receipts and a final report after spending the funds.
- 01Create an account on digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants.
- 02Complete the Digital Main Street Assessment and pass the eligibility quiz.
- 03Complete the required online training program.
- 04Develop a Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) with a detailed budget (costs net of HST).
- 05Submit your application with the DTP, commercial tax proof, business registration, and photos of your storefront and interior.
- 06Execute the agreement with OBIAA upon approval. Do not spend money until you have the signed agreement.
Who to ask: grants@obiaa.com
Documents commonly required
- Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) with detailed budget.
- Copy of Commercial Tax Bill or lease/letter indicating payment of commercial taxes.
- Business Number, Articles of Incorporation, Master Business License, or business registration.
- Photos of exterior storefront/business signage and interior commercial operations.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your new website or e-commerce store, turning the grant into a fast, mobile-friendly online storefront that captures more local customers and online orders.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, designed to help nearby shoppers find your business in search results.
- BBN launches a Google review system using QR codes, helping you collect five-star feedback that builds trust and drives foot traffic.
- BBN runs your digital marketing and paid ad campaigns, putting your brand in front of the right people on social media and search engines.
- BBN produces professional photography and video content, giving your website and ads the high-quality visuals that make customers stop and look.
- BBN implements your POS system and digital ordering tools, streamlining checkout and saving your team time during busy shifts.
What to know before you count on it
- The grant is taxable income. Ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- You must complete the Digital Main Street Assessment, pass an eligibility quiz, finish online training, and create a Digital Transformation Plan before you can apply.
- Hardware is capped at $1,000 and must be deemed necessary by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA). iPhones and cell phones are strictly excluded.
- You cannot use the grant for logo redesigns, signage, print advertising, domain renewals, or Microsoft Office.
What are your odds?
This is a grant, not a loan. It is selective. Past intakes were limited to specific windows. If the portal is closed, you cannot apply until it reopens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the grant for my logo or signage?
No. Logo redesign, rebranding, signage, and printing are explicitly excluded.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, it is a grant. However, it is considered taxable income. Consult your accountant.
Can I apply if I am a franchise?
No. Franchises are not eligible for this grant.
What if I already got this grant in 2022?
If you received a grant after June 21, 2022, you cannot apply again. If you received one before that date, you may apply only if all final reports were verified by OBIAA.
What you can combine it with
You can only receive one grant per owner. If you own multiple businesses, you must choose which one to apply for.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.