Despite the many benefits that digital transformation offers for businesses, it is still a costly and time-consuming process, especially for small-mid level enterprises where operating income may not be enough to significantly invest in digitizing operations. Digital tools allow larger organizations to increasingly provide a personalized experience to their customers, small-mid level organizations are forced to live up to the bar set by larger businesses. Moreover, Covid gave small and mid-sized business executives who may have further delayed digitizing operations stark evidence that they needed to make the transition as soon as possible to ensure business sustainability. 

To help small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) adopt digital technologies and stay competitive in the current business landscape, the Canadian government launched the $4B Canada Digital Adoption Program to provide funding and expertise to help them adopt digital technologies and stay competitive. The program is organized into two streams, each of which is tailored to distinct types of small businesses. 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Canada who want to implement new digital technologies can apply for the Boost Your Business Technology award. The program pays up to 90% of the qualifying cost of hiring a digital adviser to build a digital adoption strategy, up to a maximum grant value of $15,000 per SME. 

Eligible organizations will have access to a network of digital adoption specialists that can assist them in developing a digital adoption strategy suited to their specific requirements. Businesses that qualify for the award can use it to pay for the services of a digital adviser. These consultants will engage with businesses to offer digital paths and strategies that will help them meet their business objectives while also increasing their competitiveness in the digital market.  

This program has made emerging technologies significantly more attainable for organizations considering a digital transformation. Check the eligibility requirements here.

Up to 90,000 small firms will benefit from the Grow Your Business Online grant, which will assist them in taking advantage of e-commerce prospects. A micro-grant of up to $2,400 will be issued to eligible businesses to assist with the costs of implementing digital technology. The eligibility of your business to apply for the Grow Your Business Online grant is evaluated via assessment tool. Moreover, the eligivility criteria is described on the grant page, so businesses can make sure they are meeting the required criteria to apply. Apply for the Grow Your Business grant here.