And what if you, too, were entitled to a helping hand? Are you a small business owner who wants to improve your technological tools (website, online stores, etc.) to develop or optimize your services, but is finding it difficult to raise the necessary funds? That’s where the CDAP part 1 and part 2 grants come in.
We’ve summarized the essentials in this article!
CDAP, It’s over!
The CDAP grant officially ended in the early afternoon of February 20, 2024. It is no longer possible to apply for the Enhance Your Company’s Technology grant from the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), as the maximum number of grant agreements has been reached.
If you have started a CDAP application
If you’ve already started a CDAP application, but you’re not sure whether you’ve completed your registration, go to your online portal.
Other grants for which you may be eligible in 2024
- Subscribe to the CDAP newsletter and don’t miss any news, right here.
- View Hello Darwin‘s 2024 Grants Webinar Replay
- It is still possible to apply for the grant Expand your online business
A grant for digital transformation
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) was created to support companies in their digital transformation. The CDAP is divided into two distinct components, offering different levels of subsidy to SMEs of different sizes. Its overriding aim is to equip small and medium businesses with the digital skills they need to remain competitive and grow.
CDAP part 1 – A little help for small businesses
“Expand your online business
In this fast-growing digital industry, consumers expect to find and buy their favorite products or services on the Internet, so it’s essential to have an online presence. At Alexem Studio, many of our services are eligible for Stream 1 micro-grants. E.g. website with online store(e-commerce), online booking tools, etc.
How much can you get?
You could get up to $2,400. CDAP-Québec offers 6,280 micro-grants a year! It could be you.
Who can benefit?
- Have at least one employee (excluding the owner) OR have at least $30,000 in annual revenues in the last fiscal year.
- Be a for-profit company. This includes for-profit social enterprises and cooperatives.
- Sell goods and services directly to consumers (B2C).
- Be accessible to customers or provide services in person or online.
- Commit to maintaining the digital adoption strategy for at least six months after the intervention.
Find the complete list and check your eligibility on the PCAN Québec website or fill in the form HERE.
What types of projects are eligible?
- Creation of a new e-commerce website (EXCLUDING the redesign of an existing site)
- Add tools to your website (e.g. online reservations, electronic payment)
- Installation of an electronic platform (e.g. adding WooCommerce to WordPress)
- Addition of online software (e.g. cybersecurity or inventory management)
- Purchase of hardware and software, extensions for your site (up to 20% of the amount)
- In addition: certain costs associated with digital marketing. For example, hiring a 🙋♀️ consultant to implement digital marketing initiatives related to your online store, optimizing your content for search engines (SEO), the cost of social media advertising, and so on. That’s a lot of what we do at Alexem Studio!
Find the list of eligible and ineligible projects in the CDAP-Quebec grant guide.
How do I apply for a CDAP part 1 grant?
You must apply to your local service provider in the province or region where you live. For companies in Quebec, the application must be made via the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec and the Réseau des sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités et centers d’aide aux entreprises, which have set up a dedicated website.
Aboriginal businesses can go through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
CDAP part 2 – A big boost for larger companies
“Enhance your company’s technologies”.
To keep pace with the ever-changing digital marketplace, it’s vital for a retailer to develop a digital adoption plan that meets its needs. By assessing your “digital maturity” with experts, it will then be possible to identify possible improvements for your company and enable you to remain competitive. That’s where part 2 comes in.
How much can you get?
This grant covers 90% of the costs associated with hiring a digital consultant* up to a maximum of $15,000, enabling SMEs to develop a comprehensive digital adoption plan. If your digital adoption plan is approved but you don’t have the cash to implement it, don’t panic! The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide you with a 0% interest loan to guarantee its implementation.
*What is a digital consultant?
A PCAN-registered digital consultant must have met the criteria required to offer consulting services and must be registered in the PCAN pool. Digital consultants have a code of conduct to uphold: for example, they must remain neutral in their advice, but they must also ensure the confidentiality of the information they receive. Because they must remain neutral, digital advisors cannot be close to you! As a result, they cannot offer the services they recommend.
Unfortunately, the government has not drawn up an official list of digital consultants. You’ll have to do your own research, but most advisors clearly advertise themselves as “recognized advisors” or “authorized PCAN advisors”.
Who can benefit?
Stream 2 is aimed at SMEs that may have already embarked on their digital transformation and are looking to develop their digital technology. Our experts will provide your company with the tools and knowledge it needs to successfully implement your digital adoption plan. Here are a few conditions (see the full list on the government website and check your eligibility):
- Have annual revenues of at least $500,000 for one of the three preceding taxation years;
- Be a federally or provincially incorporated business or sole proprietor who is a Canadian resident;
- Be a private, for-profit company;
- Between 1 and 499 full-time equivalent employees;
How do I apply for a CDAP part 2 grant?
Visit the federal program website. You’ll be prompted to log in using a CGK or login partner to begin the process.
Conclusion
The CDAP program is an excellent opportunity for Quebec companies to improve their digital efficiency and acquire better tools for greater efficiency and profitability. At Alexem Studio, we’re committed to supporting you in your digital era. We believe it! By working with us on your online presence, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to benefit from part 1 of the grant. And if you qualify for part2, we’ll be just as happy to help you after you’ve drawn up your digital adoption plan!
Relevant links
- PART 1 GUIDE: https: //pcan-quebec.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCAN-QC_GUIDE-DE-SUBVENTIONS-FR_27-04-2023.pdf
- PART 2 GUIDE: https: //ised-isde.canada.ca/site/programme-canadien-adoption-numerique/fr/ameliorez-technologies-votre-entreprise-guide-programme
- To help you get a clearer picture of what’s going on between sections 1 and 2: Grant evaluation tool
