Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online
Canada
Financing to help SMEs adopt e-commerce
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
<p>The Grow Your Business Online grant provides up to $2,400 to help businesses establish or enhance their e-commerce capabilities. Eligible activities include developing new e-commerce websites or adding functionalities like online ordering systems, electronic payments, and employing consultants for digital marketing strategies as part of an overall e-commerce plan.</p>
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Grow Your Business Online grant under the Canada Digital Adoption Program offers specific financial modalities designed to support small businesses in enhancing their e-commerce capabilities. This program provides reimbursement-based funding, requiring proof of related expenses before disbursement.
- Grant funding is provided up to $2,400 to support the development and enhancement of e-commerce capabilities.
- Reimbursements are made upon submission and approval of invoices and proof of payment.
- Funding excludes taxes; grants cover the cost of expenses before tax.
- Reimbursement cannot be applied to costs incurred before grant approval.
- Eligible use of funds is restricted to e-commerce platform development, digital marketing related to e-commerce strategies, inventory management, and select software and hardware costs.
- Hardware and accompanying non-e-commerce software are covered up to 20% of the total grant amount.
- The grant requires prepayment of monthly service fees for reimbursement, with up to $2,400 in pre-paid costs reimbursed after submission of appropriate documentation.
- Fees for consulting related to CDAP application submission are not eligible for funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Grow Your Business Online grant supports projects enhancing e-commerce capabilities for consumer-facing businesses. Eligible activities focus on establishing or improving online sales platforms and strategies.
- Development of a new e-commerce website or adding functionality to an existing site, such as online reservation/booking tools or payment systems.
- Installation and subscription to e-commerce platforms.
- Consulting services for digital marketing strategies integrated into an e-commerce plan.
- Software to manage inventory, sales, customer marketing, and loyalty programs.
- Improving cybersecurity measures with relevant e-commerce software.
- Allocation of up to 20% of the grant for costs related to e-commerce hardware and software.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 2,400
Launching an e-commerce platform for a new clothing brand
$ 2,400
Enhancing social media marketing strategies for a local coffee shop
$ 2,400
Creating an online store for a social economy enterprise selling handmade goods
$ 2,400
Implementing e-commerce solutions for a local bakery to sell products online
$ 2,400
Improving the user experience for an existing e-commerce site of a nonprofit organization
$ 2,400
Enhancing online security measures for a financial cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Grow Your Business Online grant, your business must meet the following criteria:
- The business must be a for-profit enterprise, including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives.
- The business must be registered or incorporated.
- The business must be consumer-facing and sell goods and services directly to end consumers.
- The business must have at least one employee other than the owner, or have had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.
- The business must commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months.
- The business must agree to participate in follow-up surveys, share data about their experience, and consent to having its name published as a grant recipient.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible businesses for the Grow Your Business Online grant must meet the following criteria:- Be a for-profit business, including for-profit social enterprises and cooperatives.- Registered or incorporated in Canada.- Be consumer-facing, selling goods and services directly to end consumers.- Have at least one employee (other than the owner) OR have at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.- Commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months.- Agree to participate in follow-up surveys, share data regarding their experience, and allow their business name to be published as a grant recipient.Businesses that are NOT eligible include:- Corporate chains, franchises, or registered charities.- Representatives of multi-level marketing companies.- Brokerage firms, including real estate agents, investment advisors, or insurance agents.- Businesses engaged in online reselling or drop-shipping reliant on third-party suppliers.- Wholesale or distribution businesses and manufacturers unless they sell directly to consumers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of businesses that do not align with the program's objectives. Companies with specific operational models or statuses are not eligible for this funding.
- Corporate chains, franchises, or registered charities.
- Representatives of multi-level marketing companies.
- Brokerage firms, such as real estate agents, investment advisors, and insurance agents.
- Businesses engaged in online reselling or drop-shipping reliant on third-party suppliers.
- Wholesale or distribution businesses and manufacturers, unless they sell directly to consumers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses that directly support the setup and enhancement of e-commerce activities.
- Development of a new e-commerce website or adding functionalities to an existing website, excluding redesigns.
- Installation of an e-commerce platform, including subscription fees/costs.
- Hiring consultants to assist with digital marketing strategies as part of a comprehensive e-commerce implementation plan.
- Using e-commerce software for inventory and sales tracking, customer marketing, discount offering, loyalty program maintenance, and cybersecurity enhancements.
- Covering up to 20% of costs related to necessary hardware and software that support e-commerce strategy execution.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The CDAP Grow Your Business Online grant has evaluation and selection criteria to determine the eligibility of applicants. These include:
- Businesses must be SMEs.
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for digital technology adoption.
- Priority will be given to businesses looking to increase online presence, sales, and customer engagement.
- Applicants should outline how the grant will specifically benefit their business.
- Successful applicants will be required to provide progress reports on the implementation of digital technologies.
grant_single_labels|register
Steps to apply for the Grow Your Business Online grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
- Read the eligibility criteria to ensure your business qualifies for the program.
- Use the CDAP grant assessment tool to verify your eligibility.
- Step 2: Connect with Local Service Provider
- Identify and reach out to your local service provider associated with the program.
- Request assistance from an e-commerce advisor to help in your grant application process.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Gather all necessary information and documentation required for the application.
- Develop a detailed plan for the intended use of the grant, including e-commerce strategies.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Complete the grant application with the help of your e-commerce advisor.
- Submit the application through the designated process outlined by your local service provider.
- Step 5: Post-Submission
- Receive confirmation of your application submission.
- Prepare to respond to any follow-up surveys or requests for additional information.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The micro-grant requires that expenses must first be paid out of pocket by the business before they can be reimbursed, along with submission of invoices and proof of payment for reimbursement.
- Grant funds are not inclusive of taxes; only pre-tax expenses will be reimbursed.
- Enhanced website functionality, such as integrating e-commerce solutions, is eligible but a complete redesign is not.
- Hardware and non-e-commerce software costs are only covered up to 20% of the grant amount, equating to up to $480.
- Grants cannot be used to cover ongoing digital marketing expenses without a broader e-commerce implementation plan.
- E-commerce advisors will receive specific training to support small businesses effectively in digital adoption.