Canada’s own eCommerce giant, Shopify has entered into a partnership with the Canadian government for the “Go Digital Canada” initiative. The program’s stated objective is to bring many more Canadian businesses online. It seems geared to also help guide businesses who may be lagging behind digitally. The program guides companies in building their eCommerce store along with fulfillment and logistics strategies. If successful, this program will no doubt increase the use of Shopify as a go to platform for businesses. This is part of an effort to kill two birds with one stone. They can push the support the growth of Canada’s most valuable company whilst being helping SMBs.

In mid July, Shopify announced this initiative at an event with Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. It aims to hasten the digitization of local businesses regardless of where they currently are on their digital journey. The government recognizing how this can potentially stimulate the economy and make Canada globally competitive. The ideal result is for all types of Canadian businesses to compete with international competitors when it comes to digitization. In essence the government is trying to future-proof Canadian businesses with this public private partnership. The initiative makes sense as it gives local businesses something government backed advantage in this regard.

Canada Digital Push

According to Shopify, “Go Digital Canada is a central resource hub, making it easier than ever for Canadian entrepreneurs to get online and grow their business with confidence through support resources and tools offered by Shopify and our ecosystem of partners and experts”. It allows small businesses around the country to launch their online site free with a 90 day free trial for those who register by October. The program provides detailed help including letting businesses leverage on Shopify Compass, live webinars, and 24/7 support from Shopify. It also enables businesses to customize their own online requirements including setting up online payments, gift cards and local pickup/delivery options, to launching free email marketing campaigns.For companies based in Canada visit shopify.ca/canada for more information on this program.

DigiCommerce has vast experience in digital enhancement and transformation. Canadian organizations looking to integrate Shopify or improve their current eCommerce platform are encouraged to contact DigiCommerce for a consultation today.