Kelli Ireland, marketing specialist with Invest Medicine Hat, says more than 70 local businesses have already signed on to the ShopHERE program. (Photo Courtesy of Ross Lavigne.)

By Chris Brown

Digital dealing

ShopHERE businesses to be online soon

Aug 19, 2020 | 1:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns and the economic pain caused reach six months the need for a digital presence has become clear to many businesses.

In July, Medicine Hat was revealed as the first Canadian city outside of Ontario to join the digital ShopHERE powered by Google program.

In just over one month, more than 70 local businesses have signed on to the program, which is a partnership between APEX Alberta, Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce, Invest Medicine Hat and Google Canada.

Kelli Ireland, marketing specialist with Invest Medicine Hat, says those that have signed up range from local stores and restaurants to artists and even a solar panel company.

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“They’re really excited about it,” says Ireland of the early reaction. “The company that is organizing all of the students to support our local businesses in getting online has already been in touch with them and some of these businesses have started to get online and will be up and running in two weeks.”

The city announced earlier this month that the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant program is also available to anyone registered for the ShopHERE program.

Ireland says ShopHERE users can get $1,500 to hire a local photographer and a local marketing company to support and elevate your website.

“So not only are you getting a website, but you’re also getting some local services to really truly make your website stand out,” she says.

Quite simply, says Ireland about businesses moving into the digital world, this is your time.

“If you’ve been thinking about getting online and you just don’t have the resources or the staff to help you do that, we are here to support you and get you online and help you build your website. I cannot stress enough how exciting this opportunity is,” she says. “There is no small print I guess other than get online and then you get your $1,500 to take photos of yourself, your business your products to truly elevate your brand and your store and get you selling locally, provincially, nationally and globally in some cases.”

She says the number of businesses signed up is a little lower than expected but the partners are happy with the interest so far.

Ireland adds that Sandra Milne of APEX Alberta is working with the province to roll ShopHERE out Alberta-wide.

Businesses can register for the ShopHERE program at the APEX Alberta website.