The City of Westminster has partnered with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to develop the Digital Tech for Transformation Grant Program, which supports small businesses in digitizing their operations.

The Digital Tech for Transformation Grant Program supports small businesses in digitizing their operations, streamlining workflows, and improving operational efficiency. Program Participants must attend three mandatory training sessions, a one-on-one consultation with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant and submit a program proposal for goods or services which improve business operations in accordance with the grant guidelines. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive up to a $2,500 grant to invest in digital technology which will increase operational efficiency for their business. Twenty-five grants are available.

Eligibility

• Retail, restaurants, service-oriented, and direct-to-consumer business.
• Must have a commercial brick-and-mortar business located within the city boundaries (no residential addresses, PO Box, or Home Occupations)
• Must hold an active business license, minimum 1 year prior to program application
• Minimum of 2 employees, 1099 acceptable
• Attend three training sessions
• Attend one-on-one consulting session with SBDC
• Submit proof of Purchase of approved equipment/proposal
• Business may apply for one grant in each category, priority given to first time recipients

Application Process and Timeline

1. Apply online via the form on OCIE SBDC's site
2. Applications close Sunday, February 8 at 11:59 p.m.
3. Meet all program eligibility requirements; SBDC will review the application for completeness and eligibility.
4. Once conditional eligibility is confirmed, applicant must submit all required documentation through the portal.
5. Applicants notified and program participation confirmed.
6. Submit proof of Purchase of approved equipment/proposal.
7. Training Program Schedule
   1. Session 1: Tuesday, March 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. (Virtual)
   2. Session 2: Tuesday, March 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. (Virtual)
   3. Session 3: Tuesday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. (Location in Westminster to be announced)

Suggested Use of Funds

• Software purchases
• CRM Systems
• Project Management
• E-commerce platform subscriptions (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
• Upgrading to cloud-based services
• Connectivity
• Wifi Extenders
• Camera Systems
• Website development
• SEO services
• Online marketing
• Digital storefronts

Apply online today on the OCIE SBDC site!