Coquitlam is offering its businesses the opportunity to quickly build a free web presence – something that is more important now than ever.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 29, 2020 – Coquitlam is offering its businesses the opportunity to quickly build a free web presence – something that is more important now than ever.
The City has partnered with Webnames.ca, a B.C.-based domain registrar and website management firm with roots in Coquitlam, to host two free one-hour webinars Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. and Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. The sessions will show Coquitlam businesses how they can launch a simple website for no cost for the first year, as well as how to grow web traffic.
The project is offered through the Coquitlam COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP).
Sign Up for Webinars Today
Many businesses are struggling during the pandemic, and small businesses that are not online are among those suffering the most. A consumer survey conducted by the City in late spring showed that while about a third of Coquitlam residents are supporting local businesses more now, more of them are turning to online shopping, delivery and ordering for curbside pickup. Additionally, most indicated they research business information online including store hours, menus and other offerings.
Coquitlam small businesses that attend the free, no-obligation webinars Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Thursday, Nov. 26 will get information on how to set up a Webnames.ca LiteSite package at no cost that includes a .CA domain name (web address), a one-page website with free hosting for one year, an email address reflecting the domain name, and a SSL certificate (security encryption).
Participating businesses will own their own domain name and have a professional email address that provides credibility. Having a dedicated web presence is an important component of an overall brand and marketing strategy, in addition to a social media presence.
After the first year, renewals will be available at $50 per year – a good value even if only for the domain name and email. However, there will be no obligation to continue the service beyond the first free year.
The Nov. 17 webinar will teach participants how to plan and launch a website, while the Nov. 26 webinar will focus on how to grow web traffic to make the most of their new online presence.
Businesses can sign up by contacting the City’s Economic Development team at economicdevelopment@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3905.
The offer is open to any Coquitlam small business (up to 50 employees) with a valid City business licence.
Recordings of the webinars will also be posted online at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business as well as on the City’s YouTube channel following the sessions.
More Ways to Get Online
Coquitlam businesses can also promote themselves online for free by:
About Webnames.ca
Webnames.ca is Canada's original domain registrar and a one-stop convenience for the online needs of individuals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and corporations. Canadian owned and operated since 2000, Webnames.ca began as a spin-off from the internet pioneers who founded the .CA country code in 1987. The company’s CEO has roots in Coquitlam as a former resident and business owner.
More Supports Coming From CSRP
Coquitlam continues to roll out supports through its COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP), introduced in May to provide direct relief to residents, businesses and non-profits and to foster community resilience and recovery.
Initiatives being considered this fall and beyond include grants to City cultural partners, increased business supports, and support for community and non-profit services and programs. To promote economic recovery, the City will also continue to monitor and leverage provincial and federal government stimulus funding announcements.
Because the CSRP is intended to be flexible and responsive to new challenges and opportunities, programs may change or be added in the months ahead. Information and updates will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/CSRP.
Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocal
The City of Coquitlam has joined the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign to assist local businesses, many of which are struggling at this time. Coquitlam strongly encourages residents to #SupportLocal for their shopping and meals; go to www.wegotthistricities.com to view business listings and www.visitcoquitlam.ca for a directory of 200+ Coquitlam restaurants offering takeout, dine-in and delivery. See also the Support Local video on the City of Coquitlam YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/pg2IQdEZolE) to learn more.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- www.coquitlam.ca/csrp: Details about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is supporting non-profits, businesses and residents through the pandemic;
- www.coquitlam.ca/spirit: Free activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to stay engaged; and
- www.coquitlam.ca/covid19: City service updates and COVID-19 health resources.
Stay up-to-date about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Curtis Scott
Manager, Land Development
Acting Manager, Economic Development
City of Coquitlam
604-927-6965
cscott@coquitlam.ca