Business owners, take advantage of the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)

The Government of Canada has committed $4 billion to the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP). The CDAP helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) adopt digital technologies. These days, the adoption of digital technologies like e-commerce platforms and digital inventory management systems, can mean the difference between a competitive and a non-competitive business.

The CDAP has two funding streams: Grow Your Business Online and Boost Your Business Technology.

Grow Your Business Online

The Grow Your Business Online stream provides funding and expertise to consumer facing SMEs. This includes auto repair shops. Recipients receive a $2,400 grant to help cover costs related to the adoption of digital technologies. Digital technologies include website search optimization, social media advertising, and the installation of an e-commerce platform.

Businesses also have the opportunity to work with e-commerce advisors. Advisors will help businesses develop an e-commerce strategy and deploy new digital technologies.

Corporate chains and franchises are ineligible to receive funding. Eligible businesses must provide in-person services or be accessible to consumers, have at least one employee, and be registered or incorporated.

For additional information and to start the application, visit the program’s homepage.

Boost Your Business Technology

The Boost Your Business Technology stream helps SMEs adopt advanced digital technologies. Digital inventory management systems are an example of an advanced digital technology and are relevant to businesses throughout the aftermarket supply chain.

Eligible businesses receive a grant that helps them offset the cost of retaining the services of a digital advisor. Advisors help develop a digital adoption plan. The grant covers up to 90% of the eligible costs for retaining the advisor, up to a maximum grant value of $15,000, to develop a digital adoption plan.

Businesses can secure a 0% loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada to help them acquire new technology. In addition, businesses can obtain a wage subsidy up to $7,300 to retain a post-secondary student or recent graduate to help them undertake their digital transformation.

Eligible businesses must have between 1 – 499 full time employees and at least $500,000 of annual revenues in one of the previous 3 tax years.

For additional information and to start the application, visit the program’s homepage.

If you encounter any barriers during the application process, please contact Alana Baker, Senior Director of Government Relations, at alana.baker@aiacanada.com. Alana will share concerns with government.