Cornwall, ON –  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.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and our government is helping more businesses embrace new technologies that will improve their operations, ensuring they stay competitive in today’s digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to support small businesses in priority sectors like retail, so they can create jobs and grow the economy for everyone.”

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.

In addition, $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.

Ontario’s investments in the DCC are part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and help businesses navigate an uncertain economy by building the most competitive and resilient economy in the G7.

Program Info

The DCC has three (3) program streams to support SMEs in the adoption and implementation of digital technology.

  • Digital Modernization and Adoption Program: To apply for the DMAP grant, businesses must be Ontario-based, for-profit companies with up to 499 employees.
  • Technology Demonstration Program: Eligible businesses interested in the Technology Demonstration Program grant must be Ontario-based, for-profit companies with up to 499 employees, completed a DMAP project, and have generated at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the last three tax years.
  • Retail Modernization Program: To apply for the Retail Modernization Project Grant, business must be an Ontario-based, for-profit retail establishment with a physical store front that has been in business for more than 1 year, generated at least $100,000 in annual revenue and has between one to 50 employees.

Additional info, including guides and templates, can be found on the DCC website:

Quick Facts

  • 98% of businesses in Ontario are small businesses
  • Compared to other businesses, digitally mature businesses
    • realize 60% more productivity
    • are 52% more likely to have high profit growth
    • are 70% more likely to export their products internationally
  • Digital modernization has helped SMEs across Ontario boost productivity by:
    • Increasing output by an average of 14%
    • Saving an average of 192 hours in operational time and labour per month
    • Reducing operational costs by an average of 23%

About the Digitalization Competence Centre

The Digitalization Competence Centre is the partner of choice to strengthen digital modernization. It was launched in 2022 and to date has supported 249 DMAP projects in critical industries like manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications, 45 Tech Demonstration Projects, totaling 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.

Additional Resources