Summary
Today, Minister Ernie Hardeman announced the Agri-Food Open for E-Business program to help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries and agricultural associations expand online, offering more food choices for families who are shopping from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This targeted application intake features two funding streams:
- Bring Your Business Online. Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.
- Develop Online Business Opportunities. Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding for up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.
Key Messages
- The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced many businesses to re-think the way they market, sell and deliver their goods and services, and the agriculture and agri-food industry is no exception.
- That is why we’re supporting the growth of agri-food e-business and helping the sector to market its goods online.
- Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the federal and provincial governments are investing up to $2.5 million to help businesses and organizations quickly expand their marketing channels and grow e-business opportunities.
- The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations increase online sales and provide Ontario families with greater access to a wide variety of foods and agriculture products.