PEI Web Presence Assistance grant: how to add e-commerce to your business website

PEI Web Presence Assistance grant: how to add e-commerce to your business website

If your PEI business relies on in-person or phone orders, adding e-commerce can help you reach more customers. The PEI Web Presence Assistance program helps cover the cost of building or upgrading a website, including adding e-commerce for the first time. Innovation PEI offers up to $2,500 to reduce the upfront cost. This makes selling online more affordable for local businesses.

How the PEI Web Presence Assistance program supports e-commerce

The Web Presence Assistance program is for small PEI businesses and local non-profits that do not have a website, or want to add e-commerce for the first time. The main goal is to help Island organizations set up a website that supports growth.

Funding amount and cost share

• Up to $2,500 in funding
• Covers 50% of eligible project costs
• Structured as a non-repayable contribution (this means you do not have to pay back the money)

For example, if your website and e-commerce project costs $5,000, you can get up to $2,500 back through the grant.

Who is eligible

You may qualify if your organization meets all of these:

• Located and operating in Prince Edward Island
• A for-profit business or local non-profit organization
• Either:
  • Does not currently have a website, or
  • Has a website but is adding e-commerce for the first time

Businesses that already sell online are not eligible for this program.

What e-commerce expenses are covered

Eligible costs focus on getting your site ready to sell online, such as:

• Website design or redevelopment
• First-time e-commerce features (like a shopping cart and checkout)
• Setting up ways to accept payments online (for example, credit card or other online payments)
• Adding a product catalogue to your site
• Basic security features needed for e-commerce

Ongoing costs like monthly hosting fees or advertising are usually not covered.

Benefits of E-Commerce for PEI Businesses

Adding e-commerce to your website brings many benefits:

• Reach more customers: Sell to people outside your local area, even across Canada.
• Sell 24/7: Your store is always open online, not just during business hours.
• Save time: Online orders can be easier to manage than phone or in-person sales.
• Grow your business: E-commerce can help you increase sales and keep up with competitors.

Many PEI businesses have used this grant to launch online stores for the first time, making it easier to serve both local and off-Island customers.

How to use the grant to add e-commerce

Most approved projects follow these steps:

1. Choose your platform
   Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, or Squarespace Commerce. These tools make it easy to add e-commerce for the first time.

2. Get quotes from suppliers
   You’ll need written quotes from web developers or digital agencies. The quotes should show the e-commerce work and total cost.

3. Apply before starting work
   Innovation PEI expects you to apply and get approval before you spend any money on the project.

4. Complete the project and submit proof
   After your site launches, you submit invoices and proof of payment. This is how you get reimbursed by the grant.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if your business meets PEI and program-specific requirements before you apply.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Starting the website build too early
   If you spend money before your application is approved, those costs may not be covered. Wait for written confirmation.

2. Applying with vague project descriptions
   “Website upgrade” is not enough. Be clear that you are adding first-time e-commerce and explain what features you will add.

3. Assuming the grant covers all costs
   The program covers up to 50%. You must pay the rest.

4. Forgetting about security and payments
   Make sure your application explains how you will handle online payments and keep customer data safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I get from the PEI Web Presence Assistance grant?
You can receive up to $2,500, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs. The rest must be paid by your business.

Q: Is the Web Presence Assistance grant repayable?
No. This is a non-repayable contribution, which means you do not have to pay it back.

Q: Can I apply if I already have a basic website?
Yes, if you are adding e-commerce for the first time. Businesses already selling online are not eligible.

Q: Are non-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. Local PEI non-profits can apply if they meet the program criteria.

Q: Can this be combined with other digital grants?
Sometimes, but you cannot claim the same costs twice. Check with Innovation PEI before combining programs.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including digital and e-commerce supports. This helps you see which ones fit your business.

Next steps

Adding e-commerce is a quick way to grow sales beyond PEI, and the PEI Web Presence Assistance grant lowers the cost of getting started. Before you hire a developer or pick a platform, check your eligibility and the program rules. GrantHub can help you spot programs like this early, so you can plan your website upgrade and avoid missing funding opportunities.

See also

• Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained
• How to Prepare Financial Statements for Grant Applications in Canada
• How to Use the Business Navigators Program in Atlantic Canada