On Monday, May 11, 2020, the City of Toronto announced the launch of “ShopHERE”, a new digital initiative that will enlist volunteer web developers from tech companies, such as Shopify and Google, to help Toronto’s small independent businesses and artists set up online stores. The ShopHERE program is open to local artists as well as businesses with under 10 employees (or under 25 if they are a restaurant or bar) that pay commercial property tax in Toronto and are not corporate chains or franchises.
Eligible businesses will receive hands-on assistance in setting-up online stores, as well as training in marketing and shipping. The goal of the program is to develop 3,000 online stores over the next three months. The City estimates that nearly 50,000 businesses are eligible for the program, and is encouraging more local technology companies to volunteer to increase the program’s capacity.
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