This Program is designed to provide retail business owners the incentive to invest in the continued success of their business by providing financial assistance to build e-commerce sites during Covid-19. 

Since March 15th, businesses and individuals alike have seen their worlds turned upside down. With businesses looking to keep their doors open many businesses have had to adapt and make changes. Taking your business online is not only a smart solution to help serve your customers during this difficult time, but when the COVID business interruption ends, online demand will always be there.

Downtown Charlottetown Inc (DCI) understands funds are tight, but we are here to help. We are proud to announce our E-Commerce Assistance Program. Available to retail BIA members looking to take their business online, we are offering a grant to help subsidize the cost. DCI will be providing 50% of the overall project cost per business, to a maximum of $1000. Funds will be distributed until the allocated $10,000 budget for 2020 is spent. 

Located in the heart of Charlottetown’s historic Downtown, DCI serves a 16 block area of 500 plus members. We are dedicated to sustain and encouraging growth and prosperity in the downtown and continue to be proactive in delivering programs that strive to make downtown a clean, safe, attractive, vibrant place to live, work, plan and invest.

• This Program is designed to provide retail business owners, the incentive to invest in the continued success of their business by providing financial assistance to build e-commerce sites. 

• Ability to continue to sell to customers during such time that Covid-19 restrictions make it difficult or otherwise impossible for customers to visit their store in person, thus making an important contribution to the overall success of the Downtown. 

• All DCI Member Retail Business Owners located within the Business Improvement Area (BIA)

• Online portals that facilitate online transactions of goods and services through means of the transfer of information and funds over the Internet. 

• Successful applicants are eligible to receive 50% of their development costs, excluding HST, up to a maximum of $1000. 
• DCI will review applications on a first come first serve bases. Funds will be distributed until the 2020 budget of $10,000 has been depleted, at which point no new applicants will be accepted. 

• A completed and signed application form along with all supporting documents including; 
• Detailed Project Description   
• Mockup or drawing of proposed website  
• Written quote(s) from e-commerce development company(s)
• Applications should be submitted and approval received before work commences.
• Upon review and approval, a letter of agreement will be issued detailing terms & conditions, and amount of funding approved.
• Work must commence within two weeks of funding approval being received unless other arrangements have been made.
• Payment of claims will be contingent upon;
• Proof of work completion
• Submission of detailed Claim Form (provided with letter of agreement): Including copies of all invoices/cancelled cheques and Link(s) to completed project.
• Application deadline of May 31, 2020 is firm 
• No Claim form will be accepted, or approved funds released after July 31, 2020. 

• DCI encourages the use of local web development companies where possible. 
• Applicants are required to provide a progress report at 80% completion on the project.
• Submission of a completed application form with supporting documentation does not guarantee the applicant acceptance into the program.
• Businesses must continue to follow provincial COVID19 guidelines to protect staff and customers.

Contact: karen@downtowncharlottetown.com