How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $2400 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online?

Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online is funded by Government of Canada, Innovation Canada

What are Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online's eligibility criterias?

Your business must be a for-profit, registered or incorporated entity. It must be consumer-facing, selling goods or services directly to end consumers. Your business needs at least one employee other than the owner or at least $30,000 in annual revenue for the most recent tax year.

Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online

Last Update: May 30, 2025

Canada

Financing to help SMEs adopt e-commerce

Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $2,400
Up to 20% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Retail trade

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
Innovation Canada

Status

Closed

Overview of the Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online program

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.

Financing 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.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 2,400

Creating an online store for a social economy enterprise selling handmade goods

$ 2,400

Improving the user experience for an existing e-commerce site of a nonprofit organization

$ 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

Enhancing online security measures for a financial cooperative

$ 2,400

Implementing e-commerce solutions for a local bakery to sell products online

Eligibility criteria of the Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online program

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.

How to apply to the Canada Digital Adoption Program — Grow Your Business Online program

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.

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.

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.

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.

Post-Submission

Receive confirmation of your application submission.
Prepare to respond to any follow-up surveys or requests for additional information.

Additional information

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.