OCI — Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan program ON Canada

OCI — Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan program

ON, Canada
Support for digital modernization for SMEs in Ontario
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateJanuary 11, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
  • Government of Ontario
  • Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
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grant_card_status|open

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Receive up to $15,000 to cover up to 50% of the eligible costs to develop a digital adoption plan for your company. You will be able to access services of a knowledge centre focused on assisting SMEs with digital modernization and literacy through educati

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant is specifically targeted towards Ontario-based SMEs as determined by the funding body. This geographical focus ensures support for the digital transformation and growth of local businesses within Ontario.
  • Companies with a permanent establishment in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$15,000

Implement a digital inventory management system for a small logistics firm

$15,000

Design a digital marketing strategy for a non-profit community theatre

$15,000

Adopt a digital customer relationship management (CRM) platform for an accounting firm

$15,000

Develop a comprehensive e-commerce plan for a local retail store

$15,000

Develop a digital fundraising strategy for a local charity

$15,000

Set up digital financial management tools for a small cooperative

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) grant are clearly defined for Ontario-based SMEs.
  • The applicant must be incorporated federally or provincially with a valid Business Number.
  • The applicant must be a for-profit, privately owned business.
  • The business must have between 1 – 499 full-time equivalent employees.
  • The business should have a change management culture and structure that values growth and innovation, with a willingness to review/adopt new technologies to support scaling.
  • The applicant must have the ability and willingness to invest resources.
  • The business must have the capability to implement and internally sustain new technologies.
  • The applicant must be able to express why they need a digital strategy and recognize its importance in guiding change.
  • The business must have a permanent establishment in Ontario.
  • Certain types of businesses are ineligible, including those engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations, corporate chains, franchises, registered charities, representatives of multi-level marketing companies, and real estate brokerages.
  • Not-for-profits are also ineligible for this grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) programs are specifically designed to support Ontario-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that seek to adopt digital technologies to drive their growth and competitiveness. Eligible organizations must meet certain criteria regarding size, location, and intent to implement digital strategies.
  • For-profit, privately owned businesses based in Ontario with a valid Business Number.
  • Companies with between 1-499 full-time equivalent employees.
  • Firms that demonstrate a culture open to change and innovation, and a willingness to adopt new technologies for scaling.
  • Ability and readiness to invest resources and internally sustain new technological implementations.
  • Recognizes the necessity of a digital strategy as a guide to facilitating growth and adaptation.
  • Express a need for a digital strategy tailored to their business operations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries primarily based on their business model or operational structure. These exclusions help focus the program's resources on qualified sectors that align with its goals.
  • Businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations.
  • Corporate chains and franchises.
  • Registered charities.
  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies.
  • Real estate brokerages.
  • Not-for-profit organizations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) program supports Ontario SMEs in their digital transformation journey. This includes activities focused on understanding digital needs, decision-making guidance for digital transformation, and optimizing technology investments.
  • Development of a tailored Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) for the SME.
  • Retaining the services of a Digital Adoption Consultant (DAC) to assist in developing the DMAP.
  • Identification and planning for digital technology adoption and transformation.
  • Connecting SMEs with Ontario technology firms for adopting digital technologies.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses related to the development of a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan with the help of an approved Digital Adoption Consultant.
  • Costs associated with retaining the services of an approved Digital Adoption Consultant from the DCC roster.
  • Documentation and invoicing from the contracted Digital Adoption Consultant.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) under this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
  • Evaluation of digital maturity and current capabilities of the SME.
  • Clarity of the need for a digital modernization and adoption plan.
  • Significance of the opportunity, including expected growth potential and economic benefits to the SME and Ontario, such as job creation, new revenues, and new customers.
  • Capacity for and prioritization of investing in digital technology adoption.
  • Evidence of next steps, including a clear strategy and capacity to implement the plan.
  • Expertise and experience of the team members, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
  • Clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the project plan and budget.
  • Overall quality and completeness of the application.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Initiate Application Process
    • The application must be initiated in AccessOCI by an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) or an OCI Digital Adoption Advisor (DAA).
    • Submit a Client Intake Form to be connected with an OCI BDM or OCI-DAA if not already working with one.
  • Step 2: Confirm Opportunity Suitability
    • OCI BDM or DAA will assess the opportunity's suitability for the program.
    • Upon confirmation, an online application system link (AccessOCI) will be sent to the applicant.
  • Step 3: Complete Application Form
    • Complete the online application form using the AccessOCI system.
    • Upload required supporting documents, including resumes/CVs from relevant team members, a letter of support from the DAC on the Roster, and any additional relevant documents.
  • Step 4: Request Endorsement
    • Request an endorsement of the application from the BDM/DAA.
    • Submit the endorsed application either by the applicant or BDM/DAA.
  • Step 5: Internal Review by OCI
    • OCI conducts an internal review of the application for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance.
    • If deficiencies are identified, they will be communicated to the applicant for revision.
  • Step 6: External Review and Decision Notification
    • Once deemed eligible and complete, the application is sent to an external committee for review.
    • Notification of OCI's funding decision is sent to the applicant via email.
  • Step 7: Execute Funding Agreement
    • If approved, a standard funding agreement is sent to the applicant for execution.
    • The funding agreement must be signed via OCI’s online electronic signature function.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • The application must be initiated in the AccessOCI system by a Business Development Manager (BDM) or a Digital Adoption Advisor (DAA), and not independently by the SME.
  • A roster of approved Digital Adoption Consultants (DAC) is maintained, and SMEs must contract with a DAC from this roster to qualify for reimbursement.
  • The grant operates on a reimbursement model, requiring the SME to initially cover the costs associated with their digital adoption plan.
  • Final project reports and claims must be submitted within 30 days of project completion to ensure funding is received.
  • Retrospective surveys must be completed annually for three years after project completion to track the commercial outcomes and impacts.
  • Changes to the project scope or budget of $5,000 or more require a formal project change request before the project end date.

grant_single_labels|documents

OCI — Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan program

grant_single_labels|contact

critchie@oc-innovation.ca

Apply to this program

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