Canada Digital Adoption Program
The Canada Digital Adoption Program is a federal grant which offers two streams of funding to support businesses.
Stream 1 involves a $2,400 grant to build e-commerce capabilities, and Stream 2 involves up to a $15,000 grant to fund the development of a digital adoption strategy/plan.
The Boost Your Business Technology Grant (Stream 2) is almost fully subscribed and in the coming days will no longer be accepting new applications.
Read below for the key details of this support program:
The Grow Your Business Online Grant is a new program from the federal government designed to help businesses increase their e-commerce capabilities by developing their ability to sell goods and services online, and to market online to new customers.
Eligible businesses can apply to receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400Â to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and can access a network of e-commerce advisors to help them implement and maximize their efforts.
For a summary of the program, read below.
For full information visit the government site.Â
Applications will be funneled through three entities in BC, but you can only receive one grant:
Apply through Alacrity Canada
Apply through Small Business BC
Apply through Canadian Council for Aboriginal BusinessÂ
Grants:
The micro-grants will be for up to $2,400 and can be towards the cost of activities including, but not limited to:
- Implementation of a new digital e-commerce solutions including creating an online reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments
- Website search optimization
- Installation of an e-commerce platform (including subscription fees/costs)
- Back-office solutions to support an e-commerce strategy
- Social media advertising as part of an e-commerce strategy
- Creation of customer databases
Advisory Support:
Businesses can also access a network of e-commerce advisors who can help assess their digital needs and help them develop their e-commerce strategies and deploy new digital technologies. This advice comes at no cost to the business, and they can receive up to 30 hours of support.
Eligibility:
Applications can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:
- Is a for-profit business (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives)
- Is a registered or incorporated business
- Is a consumer-facing business, and can be accessed by consumers or provides in-person services to consumers
- Has at least one employee
- Must commit to maintaining digital adoption strategy for six months after participation in the program
The following types of businesses are ineligible:
- Corporate chains, franchises or registered charities
- Representatives of multi-level marketing companies
- Real estate brokerages
Questions on this or other business programs? Contact the Langley Chamber at info@langleychamber.comÂ
Small and medium businesses that want to improve their productivity and become more competitive in the digital marketplace can access the new federal Boost Your Business Technology funding program.
This program provides funding to develop a digital adoption plan, and connects businesses with financing and wage subsidies to help them implement the plan.
Read below for a summary of the program, and full for details or to apply, visit the government site.Â
Have questions about this or any other government program?  Contact the Langley Chamber.Â
This program has three component parts:Â Â
- Funding to develop a Digital Adoption Plan
- The program connects businesses with a roster of digital adoption experts and will pay for up to 90% (up to $15,000) of the costs to use one of these experts to develop a plan to increase a business’ digital technology.
- 0% Interest Loans to Implement the Plan
- Applicants have the option to access an interest-free loan from BDC to help them implement their plan and acquire new technologies.
- Wage Subsidy for Student Placement to Help with the Plan
- Businesses can receive a wage subsidy up to $7,300Â to hire a talented student for a funded work placement position that will help with the implementation of their new technology and plan.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply, a business must:
- Be incorporated federally or provincially, or be a Canadian resident sole proprietor
- Be a for-profit, privately owned business
- Have between 1 – 499 full time equivalent employees
- Have at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the previous three tax years
Apply:
Applications are handled directly with the federal government through their online portal.
Businesses will need to sign in with a GCKey or your online banking information with one of the federal government’s Sign-In Partners.
You will be asked to assess your business' digital readiness by completing a digital needs assessment, and following that you will be connected to a network of Digital Advisors who will help develop a digital adoption plan for your business, and map out costs.