May 23rd, 2013

 

Website hosting courtesy of Nora Heuer and Baytides Management Inc.

BEAM (Broadband for E-Business and Marketing) Program from Muskoka Community Network
 

About BEAM
Eligibility
BEAM Components
Application Process
Local Web Developers
Successful BEAM Recipients
 

 

About BEAM:

Many Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) understand the importance of E-Business in increasing revenue, improving productivity and reducing costs, yet may require assistance with acquiring the knowledge necessary for the implementation of these tools. As a result, Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is offering the BEAM program to eligible SMEs who require assistance with E-Business adoption.

BEAM is a program that assists SMEs to adopt and adapt to E-Business by defining goals and measuring the outcomes of implementing online strategies, while using metrics to gauge the success of deliverables in a way that is easily understood.

MCN will assist eligible SMEs with the transition to E-Business and implementation of related tools by establishing your web presence or adding E-Business tools to your current website. E-Business tools include components such as Analytics, Business to Business (B2B) Transactions, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), E-Commerce, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Optimization (SMO) and product fulfillment. 

MCN also recognizes that E-Business development is an ongoing process. MCN’s BEAM program is designed to assist SMEs to continuously improve their online impact in order to grow their E-Business strategies. With support from FedNor, MCN supports eligible applicants with a project management approach and a contribution to further develop E-Business.

BEAM is designed to assist SMEs so that they can easily manage implementing E-Business technology into their business, while leaving the technical development to their chosen developer.

Supported costs for Eligible Recipients include the design, development, and implementation costs of creating or upgrading a website, content, mobile applications and operational business applications. Development costs are eligible but ongoing costs are not eligible. Receipts for eligible expenses must be provided for a claim to be processed. This program is available for a limited time and you may apply for assistance while funds last. 

Applicants are required to attend a short orientation sessions. These 30 minute presentations will provide you with information on eligibility requirements, the application process and terms of the program.

                                                                 

Eligibility:

For the purposes of this program, contributions will only be provided to qualifying Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within Northern Ontario.

SMEs deemed eligible are as follows:

• operating on a full-time basis, with a valid BIN number;
• seasonal businesses, such as tourism operations;
• not-for-profit organizations with a focus on Economic Development.

SMEs deemed not eligible are as follows:

• hobby businesses;
• SMEs that have no reasonable prospect of being sustainable.

Applicants may receive a contribution of up to 75% to a total of $5,000, whichever is the lesser amount. Applicants fall in to one of the following categories:

• having never participated in the BEAM program before
• having previously received a contribution less than $5,000;
• having previously received a contribution totalling $5,000 and are therefore not eligible for further contributions for a three (3) year period from the approval date of your most recent BEAM project.

Successful Applicants will be required to sign a Contribution Agreement with MCN.

BEAM Components:

The Applicant’s project may be classified as:

• web development:
  • domain registration;
  • design.
• content development:
  • web copy;
  • digital media.
• mobile applications:
  • mobile websites;
  • mobile apps.
• applications that support business operations:
  • business management and process control applications;
  • training applications.

Application Process:

Go to the Application Page

If you still have questions, please contact the BEAM project officer at MCN:

beam@mcnet.ca.

P: 705 646 9044 Ext 4

Local Web Developers:

Northern Ontario vendors (as defined at the federal level) are preferred. Applicants who use Northern Ontario vendors will be eligible for up to 75% funding of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000.

Applicants who choose to use developers outside of Northern Ontario will only be eligible for up to 65% funding of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000.

---

 

Additional Third Party Resources:

Loan from Muskoka Futures

Muskoka Futures offers small loans of up to $10,000 to eligible Muskoka business owners who wish to improve their competitive advantage through acquiring/updating technology-based equipment or enhancing technological knowledge in a specialized area.

 

www.muskokafutures.ca

Worth a Cheque

IION and FedNor are supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ontario to promote their products, services and position in the marketplace. To meet this need, the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) was created to enhance innovation, commercialization, management and trade capacity.

www.worthacheque.ca

 

---