Digital Service Squad
What is the Valley Heartland Digital Service Squad?
The Valley Heartland Digital Service Squad (DSS) is a free service being offered by Valley Heartland CFDC across it's service area of Lanark County. With support from Digital Main Street (DMS), the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), and the Province of Ontario, the DSS team is dedicated to helping businesses improve their digital skills and online presence.
Is there a cost?
No, the DSS service is free to all businesses located within the Service Area of Valley Heartland, this includes the Town of Perth, Town of Mississippi Mills, Town of Carleton Place, Town of Smiths Falls, Township of Drummond/ North Elmsley, Township of Lanark Highlands, Beckwith Township, Montague Township, and Tay Valley Township.
What can the DSS help with?
The DSS can help you improve the following aspects of you business's digital presence:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social Media Engagement
- Social Media Content
- Website Assessments
- Website Enhancements
- Online Storefront
- and more
Who is Eligible?
- Businesses Located in Lanark County
- Maintain 0 to 49 employees (can include self-employed business owners with no employees)
- Has a permanent "brick-and-mortar" establishment in Ontario.
Who is Ineligible?
- Non-profits
- Charitable Trusts
- Franchises
Is there any funding available to help make these improvements?
Yes, all brick and mortar businesses can apply for the digital transformation grant available on the DMS website here: Digital Transformation Grant 4.0 | Digital Main Street
Businesses can receive up to $2,500 for their digital needs and applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding will be available until October 31st, 2022 or until funds are exhausted.
To apply, businesses must complete the digital main street assessment and complete a digital transformation plan. Perth's DSS is able to assist in the completion of these items.
How do I contact the DSS team?
You can contact the DSS team via the following link: DSS (valleycfdc.com)
How long will the DSS be available?
At this time, the DSS will be available until March 2023.
Digital Training
Between August and March, Valley Heartland will offer a variety of in-person and online workshops for free. The first workshop is in collaboration with the province and CampTech; other topics will be announced soon and will be delivered by the squad