The Province is helping small and medium-sized businesses adapt to the post-pandemic economy by giving more people the training they need to succeed.

Given its success and high demand, government is providing an additional $2.5 million to add 3,400 more seats to the bootcamp. This addition means that nearly 6,000 people and businesses will have the digital marketing skills they need to access other markets, connect with consumers, and drive their businesses forward, further supporting government's efforts to build a strong, sustainable recovery. 

The Digital Marketing Bootcamp launched November 2020 and offers small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to take virtual or online courses anywhere in the province.

“When the pandemic hit, online ecommerce surged in B.C. and around the globe. This meant that businesses of every size had to get online quickly to make sales and connect with their customers,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “To support businesses throughout B.C. to pivot and adapt, we launched the Digital Marketing Bootcamp. Given its popularity, we are expanding the program and investing more funds. This will allow the program to help thousands more B.C. businesses develop their online marketing skills to expand their reach and connect with people in B.C. and beyond.”

Under-represented people have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure inclusivity and equity for businesses and people, 30% of the new seats will be reserved for Indigenous, Black and people of colour, as well as rural businesses, all of whom have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

“Government must continue to ensure that Indigenous, Black and people of colour have every opportunity to advance their careers and their businesses,” Kahlon said. “Our government is focused on an inclusive society that will have positive, long-lasting impacts on communities throughout B.C.”

The Digital Marketing Bootcamp, valued at $6,000 per seat, is offered to small and medium-sized businesses at no cost.

“The bootcamp provided a great step-by-step process to help enhance and expand my digital brand,” said Jim Jimenez, an independent certified financial planner based in Vancouver. “The course provided an excellent foundation in digital marketing and the steps I can take to expand my service. I look forward to applying what I learned to help grow my client base and my business.”

The Digital Marketing Bootcamp provides participants with a foundation in digital marketing, including search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing and other tools.

“Participating in the bootcamp changed how I promote my business and manage my online presence,” said Jake Harcoff, founder and head trainer of AIM Athletic, in Langley. “Understanding how to use SEO has saved me money in external consultant fees and helped drive more traffic to my website, resulting in new clients. Taking the bootcamp was time well spent and has helped me grow my business.”

The bootcamp was developed in partnership with the B.C. government and Alacrity Canada, the bootcamp facilitator. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors.

“I have already attracted new clients because of the bootcamp program, which means I can focus 100% on my business and growth,” said Kate Ames, owner of Ames Design Studio in Prince George. “These new successes mean I can pay my mortgage, feed my kids and save for their futures.”

The B.C. government has allocated over $600 million in funding to support the relief and recovery of small and medium-sized businesses throughout B.C., leading Canada in the amount of per-capita support provided for businesses.

The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is part of B.C.’s economic recovery and is one of the ways government continues to support businesses that have been affected by the pandemic, while building toward a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive future.

Quick Facts:

• To support the additional 3,400 seats, funding for the Digital Marketing Bootcamp was increased from $2 million to $4.5 million.
• The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is open until March 31, 2022.
• The course is led by industry leaders, with instruction being offered through a mix of material and includes live virtual classroom sessions and mentoring. A self-directed online option is also available.
• The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is open to small and medium-sized businesses with one to 149 employees.
• To be eligible, a business must be B.C.-based and registered to do business in B.C.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Digital Marketing Bootcamp and to register, visit: https://alacritycanada.com/online-digital-marketing-bootcamp/