It was through the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020 when Judy Matheson determined to launch her small enterprise – Native Love Gifting Co.  Throughout a time that was difficult for our metropolis, Matheson was aiming to assist native companies and unfold a lot wanted pleasure round Calgary.

Native Love Gifting Co. focuses on customized present containers and baskets packed filled with merchandise from native artisans. Since day one, Matheson has been captivated with supporting native companies by way of gifting and spreading pleasure with considerate and memorable presents for private and company purchasers.

As a small enterprise proprietor, Matheson jumped on the alternative to use for The Metropolis of Calgary’s Digital Service Squad (DSS) program which helps small companies get on-line, digitize and monetize, totally free.  

“As a brand new enterprise, hiring and recruiting workers to assist with my web site and on-line presence was not an choice,” stated Matheson. “I used to be alone and seeing that the Digital Service Squad was free to small companies, I figured why not attempt it out and see what I can study.”

Supplied in partnership with Enterprise Hyperlink and Digital Essential Road and funded by the province, the Digital Service Squad is made up of 14 post-secondary college students from Calgary employed by The Metropolis to supply this service. Up to now, The Metropolis has engaged with 2,300 small companies who registered for Digital Service Squad assist, with many extra companies signed as much as obtain free digital assist by way of this system.  

“The Service Squad is a superb program that companions proficient college students who want expertise with small companies to supply one-on-one help to assist set up or enhance their digital presence,” says Erin Chrusch, chief of Enterprise & Native Financial system at The Metropolis of Calgary. “It’s simply one of many initiatives The Metropolis presents to assist assist companies in Calgary to assist them develop and flourish right here.”

Matheson was paired with a member from the Digital Service Squad, who helped present a much-needed makeover to her enterprise webpage.

“I selected to use for Digital Service Squad in hopes of rising my enterprise and to study some instruments in web site constructing, social media, internet marketing and product launching,” says Matheson. “I had little expertise in these areas and was making an attempt to study it alone. I’m extraordinarily grateful for the Digital Service Squad.  It’s been a pleasure brainstorming collectively and having a cheerleader and instructor by my facet.”

As for the longer term, Matheson says she seems to be ahead to persevering with to enhance her web site with the instruments she’s realized. “I might completely advocate the Digital Service Squad to different small companies who need to study and enhance the various facets that go into operating a small enterprise.”

For extra details about the Digital Service Squad, go to Calgary.ca/dss