The City of Calgary has launched the Digital Service Squad program to provide free support, helping small businesses succeed in the online world.
The Digital Service Squad (DSS) consists of Calgary post-secondary students temporarily hired by The City. The DSS is available at no cost to eligible small businesses.
The program is underway this year and is anticipated to assist well over 2,000 eligible businesses. Post-secondary students with digital expertise will provide one-on-one support to eligible small businesses. The students include those in the first year through to the last year of their studies.
The free support can include digital transformation support; social media strategy; building a basic website; setting up Google My Business; setting up a Point-of-Sale (POS) solution; Search Engine Optimization (SEO); creating customer databases; and streamlining business processes.
Eligible businesses:
- Small businesses located in Calgary and registered in Alberta.
- Zero to 49 employees (can include self-employed business owners with no employees).
- Home-based or commercial businesses.
Ineligible businesses:
- Non-profits, charitable trusts, and franchises.
For local small business operators, it all starts with signing up. Details can be found on the newly created Digital Service Squad webpage at calgary.ca/DSS. Interested small business operators are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
The program is delivered through a partnership between Business Link and Digital Main Street and is funded by the Government of Alberta.
