Posted: Monday May 06, 2024
Looking to implement e-commerce capabilities to remain competitive? Need to serve existing customers more effectively and attract new customers? With a micro-grant of up to $2,400, this new grant can help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies.
The Canada Digital Adoption Program “Grow Your Business Online” grant helps Small and Medium sized Enterprises:
- get online
- increase sales
- adopt security software
- connect with customers
- improve social media marketing
- improve user experience for online customers
Eligibility:
You can get funding through the Canada Digital Adoption Program if your business:
- is a for-profit business (including for-profit social enterprises and cooperatives)
- is registered or incorporated
- is consumer facing (sells goods and services directly to end consumers)
- has at least one employee (other than the owner) OR had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year
- commits to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months
- agrees to participate in follow up surveys, share data about the experience, and have its name published as a grant recipient
Your business is not eligible if it is:
- a corporate chain, franchise or registered charity
- a representative of a multi level marketing company
- a brokerage firm, such as real estate agents, investment advisors, insurance agents, etc.
- a business that is engaged in online reselling or drop-shipping reliant on third party suppliers
- a wholesale or distribution business and manufacturer (unless you sell directly to consumers)
How can you use your grant?
- To develop a new e-commerce website or add functionality to your existing site (e.g. online reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments, search engine optimization)
- Redesign of an existing site is not eligible
- To install an e-commerce platform (including subscription fees and costs)
- To hire a consultant to help with digital marketing strategies for your e-commerce store that could include activities such as social media advertising.
- Your grant cannot be used solely for digital marketing or social media advertising; such uses must be tied to an overall e-commerce implementation plan and not a standalone item
- To track and manage inventory and sales, market to customers, offer discounts, maintain a loyalty program, or increase cyber security using e-commerce software
- To pay up to 20% of the total cost of hardware and software
Eligible costs must be directly tied to the sale of goods and services online.
For more information about this program, and to apply, please visit the grant program’s website