Running a small business in Toronto often means doing everything yourself, including marketing. Digital Main Street (DMS) was created to help. It offers free digital marketing workshops and training for local businesses, so you can build an online presence without paying for consultants or courses.
If you need practical help with social media, e‑commerce, or online advertising, Digital Main Street workshops in Toronto are a simple way to start.
Digital Main Street is a program supported by the City of Toronto. It helps main street businesses use digital tools and technologies. This is not a cash grant. Instead, it provides free onboarding, training, workshops, and one‑on‑one support to eligible small businesses.
The program is designed for businesses that:
Digital Main Street is available across Ontario. Toronto businesses, however, have direct access to workshops and resources delivered locally through the City of Toronto partnership. This means more support and easier access for Toronto business owners.
After you complete Digital Main Street onboarding, you can join free workshops and training sessions made for small businesses. Topics change throughout the year, but usually include:
Workshops are delivered online. They are designed for people who are not digital experts. Most sessions focus on practical steps you can use right away, not just theory.
Some businesses also get access to the DMS Squad, which offers guided support and recommendations after onboarding.
Digital Main Street eligibility is broad. You may qualify if your business:
There is no cost to participate. Onboarding, assessments, and workshops are all free.
You do not need to be incorporated. You also do not need to meet revenue thresholds to access Digital Main Street training.
Accessing Digital Main Street workshops in Toronto is simple. Here’s how:
Visit the Digital Main Street website
Go to the official program site and create your business profile.
Complete the free digital onboarding
You will answer questions about your business and current digital tools. This usually takes less than an hour.
Receive your personalized digital assessment
You will get a custom to‑do list with recommendations for improving your digital presence.
Register for free workshops and training
After onboarding, you can join upcoming Digital Main Street workshops and learning sessions.
Use recommended tools and service providers
Digital Main Street connects you with trusted digital service providers who offer exclusive discounts.
If you want to find other digital marketing and training programs that pair well with Digital Main Street, try GrantHub’s eligibility matcher. It helps you filter options by province and business type.
Digital Main Street does not give direct funding. Many Toronto businesses use it as a first step before applying for funded programs.
For example:
To see what expenses are usually covered, check out:
Visit GrantHub to find matching grants and support programs across Canada. This can help you build on Digital Main Street training with funded next steps.
Skipping onboarding
You cannot access workshops unless you complete the Digital Main Street onboarding first.
Expecting cash funding
Digital Main Street gives training and support, not direct grants or reimbursements.
Waiting too long to book workshops
Some sessions fill up fast. Register as soon as spots open.
Not using your digital assessment
The personalized to‑do list is one of the most valuable parts of the program. Many businesses ignore it and miss easy wins.
Q: Is Digital Main Street a grant program?
No. Digital Main Street does not provide cash funding. It offers free training, workshops, assessments, and digital support.
Q: How much do Digital Main Street workshops cost?
They are completely free for eligible businesses, including onboarding and training sessions.
Q: How long does Digital Main Street onboarding take?
Most businesses finish onboarding in under an hour. The exact time depends on how detailed your responses are.
Q: Can online-only businesses use Digital Main Street?
Yes, many e‑commerce and service businesses use Digital Main Street to improve websites, marketing, and customer tools.
Q: Can I use Digital Main Street and apply for other grants?
Yes. Many businesses use Digital Main Street as a foundation before applying for funded digital or training programs.
If you are a Toronto small business owner, Digital Main Street workshops are a quick way to improve your digital marketing skills for free. Once you finish onboarding, you can build on that knowledge with funded programs that support technology, training, or growth.
Visit GrantHub to find matching grants and support programs for your business profile. This can help you turn free training into funded opportunities for growth.
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