A new initiative aimed at helping small businesses is coming to Haliburton County.
Square, the point of sale service that offers businesses the ability to take credit cards on your smartphone or tablet, announced today that they are starting a ” Digital Cottage Country Initiative.”
Square says that through this initiative, any business that uses their hardware will get, a device allowing tap debit or credit cards to be accepted, for free. As well the initiative means anyone that uses their service will get the first $2,500 in sales completely free, meaning that Square will not take their usual percentages until you’ve got $2,500.
This announcement came at a roundtable discussion with small business owners, some who use Square and some that don’t. The consensus of the group was that the lack of quality internet service in the area is hurting small businesses. One business owner pointed out to the group that if the internet goes down, many businesses in the area will only take cash which can be problematic for areas like Wilberforce that is lacking internet and a bank. Cathy Vigrass, the Head of Canada Square, says that Square can be used even if the internet goes down because it makes use of the cell network. Vigrass added that the card reader and app has an offline mode that can be used to still take payment in the event of a power outage.
A business owner at the meeting pointed out the others around the table that the software associated with the app will track analytics and you can literally see what times you tend to be busiest. Tamara Wilbe, the CAO for Dysart et al, explained that currently the Haliburton and West Guilford dumps use Square.
Vigrass explained that if you use Square you can track a number of things like your sales for the day. Vigrass also says that the there are no hidden fees or fees attached to using their device.
Vigrass closed the announcement saying that they will be hosting a workshop Tuesday the 23rd of October at 5:30pm for anyone that wants to learn more about the service.
More information can be found on their website
