If you’re a small business owner looking to improve your online presence, the Digital Main Street grants are often the first place to look. Two programs come up most often — ShopHERE and the Digital Transformation Grant — but they serve very different needs. Choosing the wrong one can cost you time or leave funding on the table.
Digital Main Street is a Canada-wide initiative supported by federal, provincial, and municipal partners to help main street businesses adopt digital tools.
Both programs fall under the Digital Main Street umbrella, but they target businesses at different stages of digital adoption.
The ShopHERE program is designed for businesses that don’t yet have a strong digital presence.
What it supports
Funding amount
Who it’s for
Key eligibility notes
ShopHERE is ideal if your main goal is to get online quickly with minimal complexity.
The Digital Transformation Grant is for businesses that already have some digital presence and want to go further.
What it supports
Funding amount
Who it’s for
Key eligibility notes
This program is better suited for businesses looking to modernize operations, not just build a website.
| Feature | ShopHERE | Digital Transformation |
|---|---|---|
| Funding size | Up to $2,500 | Up to $15,000 |
| Best for | New websites | Advanced digital tools |
| Project size | Small, defined | Larger, multi-tool |
| Planning required | Minimal | Detailed digital plan |
| Business stage | Early digital | Growing or scaling |
If you’re not sure which program is open in your region, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province, industry, and business size.
Applying for the wrong program stage
If you already sell online, ShopHERE is usually too limited. Funders expect the Digital Transformation Grant to support more complex upgrades.
Ignoring regional availability
Digital Main Street programs are delivered locally. Not every intake is open in every province or city at the same time.
Including ineligible expenses
Hardware, ongoing subscription fees, or marketing-only projects may not qualify unless clearly tied to digital adoption outcomes.
Starting work before approval
Costs incurred before formal approval are often not reimbursed.
Q: Can I apply for both ShopHERE and the Digital Transformation Grant?
In most cases, no. These programs are designed for different stages of digital maturity. Businesses usually move from ShopHERE to Digital Transformation over time, not simultaneously.
Q: Do I need a consultant to apply?
ShopHERE often includes built-in support. The Digital Transformation Grant may require outside vendors, but you can prepare the application yourself if you meet the planning requirements.
Q: Are home-based businesses eligible?
Eligibility depends on local program rules. ShopHERE often prioritizes brick-and-mortar locations, while Digital Transformation eligibility can be broader.
Q: Are these grants taxable income?
Grant funding is generally considered taxable income in Canada. Confirm with your accountant how it applies to your business.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by intake and region. Expect several weeks from application to decision for most Digital Main Street programs.
Choosing between Digital Main Street ShopHERE and the Digital Transformation Grant comes down to how advanced your digital operations are today. If you’re just getting started, ShopHERE is usually the right fit. If you’re ready to scale, the Digital Transformation Grant offers more flexibility and funding.
If you want to track new Digital Main Street intakes or compare other small business grants, GrantHub keeps an updated list of programs across Canada so you can see what’s available in your region.
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