Our Guide To The BC Launch Online Program (Up To $7500 for Your Business)

COVID-19 has shifted how business is conducted and we all have seen how crucial online presence has become. Are you planning on launching an online store? Or have you thought about upgrading your current online store or booking system? If so, you can qualify for the Launch Online Grant Program for up to $7500. 

What Is The Launch Online Grant Program?

The BC government has put aside $42 million of grant funding for small and medium-size businesses across BC to move their business online or enhance the existing business model. The Launch Online Grant Program funds up to 75% of eligible expenses if you launch or upgrade an online store or booking system within 12 weeks. 

How Can The Launch Online Business Grant Program Help Me?

If your business model is mostly retail and product-based, YOU are in luck. The Launch Online Grant program is designed to help you integrate your business model from in-store, to an online e-commerce store, by assisting you in the costs of building a website, website hosting, web design, copywriting, SEO services and more.

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Are You Eligible For The Grant?

If you meet the following criteria, then you will be eligible:

• Generated sales of more than $30,000 in previous year
• Business owner/owners is BC resident
• Business sole/primary operations are in BC
• Business is registered in BC
• Business is currently operating
• Business employs up to 149 BC residents
• Business pays taxes in BC
• Business maintains Federal business number, GST number, PST and WorkSafeBC (if applicable)
  
  

If you meet the above criteria, make sure one of the following applies to you:

• Does not have an online store currently or the existing online store does not have more than three out of five identified online features below:
• Website Analytics and reporting capabilities
• Product catalogue, search and inventory status
• Customer registration and Information Security features
• Shopping cart and order management capabilities
• Payment processing options that includes application of appropriate taxes and shipping cost at time of ordering

• Does not have an online booking system or the existing online booking system does not have more than three of the five online features below:

• Website analytics and reporting capabilities
• Automated replies and reminders
• Customer registration and Information Security features
• Schedule navigation and reservation management capabilities
• ​Payment processing options that include application of appropriate at time of ordering (if applicable)
  
  

Meeting the criteria does not guarantee that your application will be approved for funding - however, your likelihood of application approval is greatly increased when using a trusted financial advisor company like Opulence Financial Canada to assist in your application.

Find Out Your Eligibility

Eligible Expenses For The Launch Online Grant

Launch Online Grant Program will cover up to 75% of costs for the following expenses:

Service provider costs such as:

• Platform, online shop and online booking system development
• Copy and online content writing
• Developing an online inventory of goods, products and services
• Pictures (including hiring a photographer), stock photos or related graphics needed
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Digital Customer Acquisition such as:

• E-commerce platform subscription (up to 1 year)
• Online advertising (up to 1 year)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Creating banners and other embedded advertising
  
  

Course fees to cover staff training to manage the online shop or an online booking system, learn about digital marketing, etc.

Successful applicants are required to use BC based service providers except for following:

• Platform subscription costs
• Purchase of online photos and graphics
• Purchase of online promotional space such as Facebook ads
• Online course fees

Get A Quote For Online Marketing

Ineligible Expenses For The Launch Online Grant

• The grant funding cannot be used towards expenses that are not related to businesses own ecommerce; cannot be used for e-commerce activities that have already started before the project start date; and cannot be used for general website or IT upgrades. 
• Starting an e-commerce business which intends to sell products on behalf of other companies (ie, dropshipping businesses)​
• Adding non e-commerce web pages to existing websites
• Hosting an existing site
• Credit card processing fees
• Packaging materials for product shipping and related shipping costs
• Staff salary costs

Launch Online Grant Program Application Deadline

Launch Online Grant Program application intake is open until September 30th, 2021 or until the funds have been fully subscribed. Also note that up-to 30% of the funds will be reserved for Black, Indigenous and people of color and businesses that are operating outside of the lower mainland and greater Victoria.

​Contact us for assistance in applying for the Launch Online Grant Program for YOUR business. 

Get Help Applying For The Launch Online Program

The Launch Online Program may seem overwhelming at first. It’s a lot of paperwork to fill out, fine details, and information. Luckily the Launch Online Grant Application process is designed to make it easy for BC business owners looking to take their business online. 

This opportunity is ideal for business owners in British Columbia who are looking to maintain their business during the pandemic. We’re happy to provide you with the resources available, and assist you in the application process for the Launch Online Program, and pair you with our trusted partners and referrals to build, launch, and optimize your online website.
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Contact us today to get started on the process of applying for the Launch Online Program - only open until September 30th, 2021!

Have You Been Approved For The Launch Online Grant?

The next step after approval is to create a cohesive website strategy and create an online or digital marketing plan.

Fill out the form below and let's make the most of your Launch Online grant.