For This Dance Studio In Mississauga The Show Must Go On

Caroline Augustine always knew being an entrepreneur had its challenges, but she never imagined challenges as big as the ones COVID-19 has brought to her business, Blueheel Dance Studio. The virus accelerated the need for digital transformation, and suddenly Caroline didn’t have the knowledge or resources to update and optimize her online presence to respond to the ongoing situation. That’s when the Transformation Teams from Digital Main Street’s Future Proof Program stepped in and supported her in figuring out this whirlwind of new information, updating her website, and helping her create a digital strategy to face this new reality.   

Located in Port Credit, Mississauga, Blueheel Dance Studio has been running for over 17 years, and it is a fundamental part of this community. They provide Latin & Ballroom dance lessons for kids and adults. Their mission is to provide a socially comfortable environment where people learn to dance and learn social skills while building physical, emotional and mental health.  

When COVID-19 hit, Blueheel had to close for some time, and for Caroline, it was like she had been kicked in the gut. All the money, energy and passion she had invested in growing her business was now reduced to uncertainty. Looking for additional support and resources, Caroline found the Future Proof Program offered by Digital Main Street, applied, and got teamed up with her Transformation Team.   

“Great team, fun to work with. Very knowledgeable, yet patient and understanding of our limitations. They gave me what I needed and were willing to work with me based on my preferences.”  – Caroline Augustine 

Working with her Transformation Team, Caroline was able to update her website, work on her email and social media strategy, learn about ads, and most importantly, set up a platform for online classes. These actions helped opening Blue Heel Dance Studio to virtual learning et to broaden their audience.  

After finishing the Future Proof Program, Caroline feels that the Business Transformation Plan she set out to complete with the Team was very successful, and she found it an easy process. Now, she feels more confident in the digital changes and optimizations she needs to keep her business relevant online. But of course, she knows there is still a lot of work to be done and more learning opportunities down the road.   

For Caroline, the Future Proof Program is an opportunity all businesses should take; it’s an excellent opportunity to help all those who are struggling.    

“We are grateful for the support of the federal, provincial and municipal governments because without them, there is no way we would be able to survive this catastrophe. It’s not over yet, but we are fighting to stay alive and we know we can come through this as a community.”  – Caroline Augustine 

Thanks to online platforms, you don’t need to be in Port Credit to learn Ballroom and Latin dances; visit Blueheel’s website here and get your dance shoes ready!  

If you are a small business or know someone interested in learning more about the Future Proof Program and how to apply, cliquer ici. To learn more about Digital Main Street and how it is helping local businesses survive the pandemic, cliquer ici.