Canada's Digital Technology Cluster — Capacity-Building Program
Canada
Digital talent development and SME scale-up program in Canada
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 01, 2018
grant_single|financingType
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Canada's Digital Technology Cluster
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Capacity Building Pilot Program by the Digital Technology Supercluster offers up to $2M in funding to develop digital talent and scale SMEs, with a focus on increasing diversity and expanding access to global markets. Eligible activities must involve a consortium led by a Supercluster member or associate, demonstrate innovation in digital technology, and be incremental to existing projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Capacity Building grant supports initiatives focused on developing digital talent and scaling companies in Canada. Eligible projects must demonstrate innovation and collaboration within the digital technology sector.
- Development of a diverse pool of digital talent, emphasizing inclusion of Indigenous people, underrepresented groups, and women.
- Scaling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing resources for growth and increasing supply chain links.
- Innovative projects incrementally beyond regular business activities, facilitated by consortium partnerships.
- Projects that leverage and expand upon existing ecosystem assets and build new linkages.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the project's structure and collaborative nature of the applicant's consortium.
- The lead applicant of the consortium must be a Member or an Associate of the Digital Technology Supercluster.
- The project must include a minimum of three partners, with at least one partner from the industry sector.
- The proposed initiative must be incremental, meaning the project is new and not possible without the consortium's involvement or the Supercluster's co-investment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant supports capacity-building projects in the digital technology sector by encouraging collaboration and co-investment among Canadian entities to foster innovation and talent development.
- The lead applicant must be a Member or an Associate of the Supercluster.
- A minimum of three project partners must form a consortium, including at least one industry partner.
- Projects should be new initiatives that are not part of the regular business activities of any participating organizations and should be impossible to execute without the partnership and co-investment opportunities provided by the Supercluster.
- Projects are encouraged to establish and strengthen linkages beyond the Supercluster's direct participants and make strategic use of existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Capacity Building program are based on four equally weighted categories, which ensure that the projects contribute significantly to the digital technology ecosystem.
- Quality and relevance of the project proposal: Clarity in addressing current or future needs, complementing existing programs, and articulating benefits to the ecosystem.
- Ecosystem impact: Contribution to job creation, skills development, and the project's positive impacts on stakeholders beyond the consortium, along with a sustainable benefits plan.
- Team and experience: The consortium's ability, experience, and collaborative advantage, including the sharing of risks, costs, and benefits, and ensuring no disproportionate advantage to one participant.
- Management and finance: A realistic project management plan with clear timelines, goals, responsibilities, and a well-structured cost justification.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Download the EOI template from the Digital Technology Supercluster website.
- Prepare a brief outline of the proposed project addressing the eligibility criteria.
- Contact xx@digitalsupercluster.ca for guidance, if needed, during the EOI preparation phase.
- Submit the EOI to xx@digitalsupercluster.ca by the published submission deadline.
- Step 2: Proposal Preparation
- Once your EOI is accepted, download the proposal instructions and form from the Digital Technology Supercluster website.
- Develop a detailed project plan addressing all sections, including objectives, milestones, and expected outcomes.
- Prepare a budget using the provided Excel template, following the funding guidelines for eligible costs.
- Step 3: Proposal Submission
- Ensure all proposal sections are complete and adhere to the evaluation criteria.
- Submit the completed proposal and budget to xx@digitalsupercluster.ca.
- Step 4: Review Process
- The proposal will undergo external review for eligibility and quality against the evaluation criteria.
- Conduct of management and financial due diligence by the Supercluster.
- Await a decision and feedback from the Digital Technology Supercluster.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- All applicants will receive written feedback on their proposal, whether they are recommended for funding or not.
- The Digital Technology Supercluster may modify the review process based on advice from the Program Advisory Council to ensure objectives are met.
- Co-investment must be at least 25% from project partners or other sources, meaning the Supercluster covers up to 75% of project costs.
- The Digital Technology Supercluster provides templates for Expression of Interest and financial budgeting, both required for the application.
- Expressions of Interest and Proposals need to be submitted directly via email to the specified Digital Technology Supercluster address.
- Projects must be incremental and not previously supported by other mechanisms; demonstrating a new or expanded scope that necessitates the co-investment.
- A minimum of three project partners is required, including at least one industry partner, forming a consortium.
- Project proposals are evaluated on four equally weighted categories, emphasizing collaboration, ecosystem impact, and sustainable job creation.
