The Schulich School of Business at York University announced its participation in a major new initiative alongside the City of Toronto and a team of leading global technology companies to help Toronto’s main street retailers survive the COVID-19 crisis.
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As part of the DMS ShopHERE project, 50 students from Schulich’s MBA, Masters’ and undergraduate programs will gain summer placements and be assigned to help Toronto’s small businesses and artists move their businesses online at no cost. The students will be supported by Digital Main Street and leading technology and e-commerce firms such as Shopify, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, eBay and Mastercard Canada.
Toronto’s independent small businesses and artists can access ShopHERE to:
- launch their online stores with hands-on support in just a matter of days;
- activate their stores across key digital marketing platforms; and
- integrate with key e-commerce delivery solutions.
“I want to thank the business students of the Schulich School of Business and York University for bringing their talent and energy to help us fight for Toronto’s small businesses and artists,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “Their work will help ensure our main streets survive this crisis and that the culture and lively streets we all enjoy – and the jobs – will be there when we move into the recovery period.”
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“Schulich is proud to partner with the City of Toronto in helping local small businesses and entrepreneurs rapidly transition to selling online,” said Dezsö J. Horváth, Dean of the Schulich School of Business. “We’re also proud to see that our students are playing an essential role in stabilizing our economy by supporting local businesses during this transformational time.”
The initiative will create summer “work-integrated learning” placements for 50 Schulich students and also provide them with additional specialized training on leading digital platforms including: Shopify, Facebook/Instagram, Google and more.
“The time to act in support of Toronto’s main street businesses is now,” said Schulich Entrepreneur in Residence Chris Carder, who spearheaded the engagement for Schulich. “We know our students will work with passion, focus and creativity in this important placement opportunity and we’re thrilled to team up with Digital Main Street and its powerhouse team of technology partners.”
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