Groups partner on eCommerce programs to assist Mapleton businesses

MAPLETON – Innovation Guelph recently announced a Community Collaboration Project, through the Digital Main Street project, with the Mapleton Chamber of Commerce.

The local chamber, which has successfully obtained funding from the Digital Main Street Future Proof program, is supporting Mapleton businesses by helping them with the administrative costs of developing a presence on the Mapleton eCommerce site.

Additionally, approximately 35 businesses will be supported by customers who can buy gift cards on the eCommerce site.

Community Collaboration Projects connect regional innovation centres and community organizations “in a series of engaging conversations” on common issues facing small businesses to build workable solutions, Innovation Guelph officials stated in a Feb. 9 press release.

The Digital Main Street Community Collaboration Project is made possible through financial support of the federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and the Government of Ontario.

“Since COVID, eCommerce has become more important than ever,” said Innovation Guelph CEO Anne Toner Fung.

“To support Mapleton businesses with an eCommerce site is definitely an appropriate Community Collaboration Project.”

Mapleton Chamber of Commerce president Amber Weima said the chamber is “excited to implement a standard gift card that could be used at any of our local businesses.

“Many of our businesses did not have a gift card program before this. Our eCommerce site will provide a valuable service for shoppers and businesses in Mapleton.”

The Digital Main Street program helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation.

The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and a Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level workers who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.

For more information visit www.innovationguelph.ca.