Help for Businesses to Go Digital
$7.5 Million to Help Businesses Go Digital
The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million to protect small and medium-sized businesses across the province, helping them modernize and grow by adopting digital technologies. The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) helps companies to transition and find made-in-Ontario digital solutions with expert guidance, training, and up to $115,000 in targeted grants.
“Our government’s investments in the Digitalization Competence Centre are part of the province’s plan to protect Ontario and help businesses navigate recent economic uncertainties by continuing to build a competitive and resilient economy,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “In addition, this support will help retailers access the technologies and tools needed to enhance productivity and sales.”
Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), the province is investing $5 million to support the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which helps businesses assess their digital needs and work with a consultant to create a customized plan, with participating companies reporting $380 million in increased revenue. Through DMAP, companies can receive a grant of up to $15,000 to match private investment that supports planning for technology investments.
Companies that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for additional funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which includes a grant of up to $100,000 to match private investment in purchasing and installing new technologies that support business growth and create jobs.
To date, the DCC was initially launched in 2022 and has supported 249 DMAP projects in critical industries like manufacturing, information technology, and telecommunications, 45 Tech Demonstration Projects, totalling 294 grants over both programs. Building a roster of over 100 Digital Adoption Consultants and growing the Ontario Digital Technology Vendors List to include more than 140 Ontario-based companies.
Additionally, $2.5 million is being invested to support small businesses in the retail sector in areas like online payment systems, inventory management software, customer relationship management tools, digital marketing, cybersecurity solutions, and artificial intelligence. The new Retail Modernization Project Grant will provide a flexible grant of up to $5,000 to be matched by participants adopting new technologies in these areas.
