Photo courtesy Flickr/ BC Government

By Caden Fanshaw

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BC announces new $12 million e-commerce fund

Feb 3, 2021 | 4:35 PM

VICTORIA – There is a new fund with the goal to try and help 1,500 businesses across the province transition into e-commerce.

The province says they are investing $12 million to help businesses launch or upgrade an online store that will provide the platform they need to increase their sales revenues, become more competitive and grow. Up to 25% of the program funds will be reserved for regional and Indigenous businesses.

“Businesses need access to the tools and supports that will help them adapt and pivot during this uniquely challenging time,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This program will provide business owners with the ability to expand their online presence and create a customized e-commerce site that will give them the boost they need to keep moving forward.”

E-commerce sales are projected to have doubled through 2020 and are expected to increase further in 2021 according to Kahlon, who says now is the time to invest in BC businesses.

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The grant will only be available to be used with BC-based marketing and e-commerce companies for businesses that are eligible.

The grant comes at a time when the previously allocated $300 million funds for small-medium sized businesses in a separate recovery grant program has only seen $12 million distributed according to the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

It is unknown at this time how many applications are in the processing stage, Kahlon said there were over 4,000 applications since December when criteria were tweaked.