Facebook Canada Announces Small Business Grant Program

The social media giant also launched training programs and new product tools.

Need to Know

  • Nearly $3.5 million in cash and advertising credits will be provided by Facebook Canada to roughly 650 businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa-Gatineau.
  • Facebook Canada is offering a series of supports to small businesses struggling in the wake of COVID-19 lockdown measures, including free virtual training from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
  • Additional product tools, including an expanded Personal Fundraiser tool and “Support Small Businesses” sticker, also rolled out.
  • Canadian initiatives follow Facebook’s announcement of $100-million in grants available to up to 30,000 businesses in 30 countries worldwide.

Analysis

On Tuesday, Facebook revealed that it will be providing almost $3.5 million in grants and ad credits to small businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on the heels of the company’s announcement of $100-million in small business grants available worldwide.

We know small businesses are being hit hard right now, and we want to help,” Garrick Tiplady, managing director of Facebook and Instagram Canada, said in an emailed statement announcing the new grants. “We’re listening to the challenges Canadian small business owners face and want to do all we can to provide useful resources — including much needed financial support — for them during this challenging time.”

The financial and advertising credit supports will be made available to more than 650 businesses in Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, and Vancouver — cities where Facebook Canada has offices. Businesses do not need to have a Facebook account to apply for the grants.

The company’s small-business support initiatives also include virtual training with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to assist individuals and companies that are struggling with the pivot towards more digital and online-based sales and commerce. The first session will be held on June 3.

Small business owners who do have Facebook accounts can also join the Boost with Facebook Canada Group, for peer support and expert advice, and can access Facebook’s Business Resource Hub.

In addition to grants and programs, Facebook has also rolled out new tools internally to help small businesses thrive, and to encourage more consumers to patronize small and local retailers and companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include an expanded Personal Fundraisers tool, which gives individuals the ability to launch fundraisers for businesses, and a “Support Small Business” sticker on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

Facebook has consulted and engaged with local experts on how to best serve Canadian businesses. The new grant program’s advisory council includes individuals from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Toronto Region Board of Trade — World Trade Centre Toronto, and others.