How much funding can be received?

The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) program provides Ontario SMEs with up to $15,000 to develop a tailored digital adoption strategy by working with a Digital Adoption Consultant. The program aims to support digital literacy, expedite technology adoption, and enhance the competitiveness of SMEs by helping them understand and implement digital technologies.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible projects for the Digitalization Competence Centre's Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) grant are focused on helping Ontario-based SMEs modernize their digital capabilities. These activities are designed to effectively guide businesses through digital transformation and encourage the adoption of new technologies.

Development and implementation of a comprehensive Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan for SMEs.
Collaboration with a Digital Adoption Consultant from the DCC roster to create a tailored digital strategy.
Engagement in projects aimed at enhancing productivity and company growth through digital adoption and transformation.
Execution of a strategy for SMEs to bridge barriers to digital technology adoption.
Conducting training sessions to improve digital literacy and adoption within SMEs.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 15,000

Implement a digital inventory management system for a small logistics firm

$ 15,000

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

$ 15,000

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

$ 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

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be incorporated federally or provincially with a valid Business Number.
The business must be a for-profit, privately owned entity.
The company should have between 1 – 499 full-time equivalent employees.
The organization must have a change management culture that values growth and innovation, showing a willingness to review and adopt new technologies for scaling.
There must be the ability and willingness to invest resources into digital transformation.
The company should have the capability to implement and internally sustain new technologies.
The business should be able to express the need for a digital strategy and recognize its importance in guiding change.
The company must have a permanent establishment in Ontario.
Ineligible entities include businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations, corporate chains, franchises, registered charities, representatives of multi-level marketing companies, real estate brokerages, and not-for-profits.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) programs, including the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) and Technology Demonstration Program, are specifically designed for Ontario-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These programs aim to support SMEs in their digital transformation by providing resources, funding, and expertise.Eligible SMEs must:- Be for-profit entities with their primary operations based in Ontario.- Have between 1 to 499 full-time equivalent employees.- Demonstrate a growth-oriented and innovation-driven culture, with a willingness to adopt new digital technologies.- Exhibit capability and readiness to invest in and sustain new digital technologies.- Clearly articulate the necessity for a digital strategy in advancing their business goals.Ineligible entities include those engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce, corporate chains, franchises, registered charities, MLM representatives, and real estate brokerages. Furthermore, projects must engage a registered Digital Adoption Consultant from the DCC roster to develop a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of businesses are explicitly excluded from eligibility for this grant. The restrictions aim to focus resources on innovation-driven and entrepreneurial SMEs.

Consumer facing retail or e-commerce operations.
Corporate chains, franchises, or registered charities.
Representatives of multi-level marketing companies.
Real estate brokerages.
Not-for-profit organizations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the development and completion of a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) with an approved Digital Adoption Consultant (DAC).

Costs for retaining the services of an eligible Digital Adoption Consultant (DAC) from the DCC roster.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) that have a permanent establishment within the province of Ontario, Canada. It is intended to support digital modernization and adoption for businesses operating in this geographical area.

Permanent establishments within Ontario, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) grant are based on several assessment criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives and desired outcomes.

Evaluation of digital maturity: Determining the current stage of digital advancement and capabilities of the SME.
Clarity of the need for a digital modernization and adoption plan: Assessing how well the SME understands and articulates their need for digital transformation.
Significance of the opportunity: Evaluating the expected growth potential and economic benefit to the SME and Ontario, such as job creation/retention, new revenues, and productivity increases.
Capacity for and prioritization of investing in digital technologies: Determining the SME’s ability and readiness to invest in and adopt digital technologies.
Evidence of next steps and implementation plan: Assessing the clarity of the strategy and the SME's capacity to implement the plan successfully.
Expertise and experience of the team: Evaluating the qualifications of the team members and clarity of their roles in the project.
Clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the project plan and budget: Reviewing the details of the project proposal to ensure practicality and alignment with objectives.
Overall quality and completeness of the application: Ensuring the application is thorough and well-prepared.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initiate Application
Submit a Client Intake Form to express your interest in the program.
Wait for contact from an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) or Digital Adoption Advisor (DAA) to discuss the opportunity.
Step 2: Access Application System
Receive login information for OCI's online application system, AccessOCI, if the opportunity is suitable for the program.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
Fill out the application form in AccessOCI.
Upload required supporting documents including resumes/CVs, a letter of support from an external DAC, and any additional relevant documents.
Step 4: Obtain Endorsement
Request endorsement of your application from your BDM/DAA.
Step 5: Submit Application
Submit the application after obtaining the necessary endorsement.
Step 6: Internal Review
OCI reviews the application for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance.
Address any deficiencies sent to you by OCI.
Step 7: External Review
If deemed eligible, the application is reviewed by an external committee of experts.
Step 8: Notification
Receive an email notification of OCI’s decision regarding funding.
Step 9: Execute Agreement
If approved, sign OCI’s funding agreement using their online electronic signature function.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

DMAP is a reimbursement program, meaning expenses are initially covered by the applicant and reimbursed after project completion.
The applicant must retain invoices from Digital Adoption Consultants and other documentation related to eligible expenses for reimbursement claims.
Final reports and claims for the grant should be submitted within 30 days of project completion to receive reimbursement.
An annual retrospective survey must be completed for three years post-project completion to assess impacts such as commercialization outcomes.
Any significant changes to the project must be communicated to the OCI Program Manager in advance.

grant_single_labels|documents

OCI — Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan program (DMAP)

grant_single_labels|contact

critchie@oc-innovation.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Ontario SMEs Through Digital Modernization

The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) Grant is a pivotal opportunity for Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to advance their technological capabilities. By providing up to $15,000 in reimbursement funds, the program supports SMEs in developing a tailored digital strategy with the guidance of expert Digital Adoption Consultants.

Unlocking Digital Potential with the DMAP Grant

The DMAP, as part of the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), represents a forward-thinking initiative by the Ontario government to enhance the digital landscape of local SMEs. The program envisages an empowered SME sector that is technologically adept, competitive, and capable of sustainable growth in the modern economy. This grant targets SMEs looking to embark on or continue their journey towards digital transformation by crafting a focused Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan.

By aligning with this program, companies can capitalize on the expertise of Digital Adoption Consultants who are registered on the DCC roster. These consultants provide comprehensive assessments of the SMEs' current technology landscape and work alongside them to tailor a viable strategy that optimizes their digital investments. The goal is to propel businesses towards improved efficiency, increased competitiveness, and enhanced product and service offerings by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies.

The DMAP grant stands out as a transformative program that not only funds part of the digital adoption costs but also aligns SMEs with the necessary resources to implement these changes effectively. Qualified businesses receive crucial guidance in navigating digital transformation, which is vital for staying competitive in an increasingly digital economic environment. The grant emphasizes enhancing productivity through digital means and supports the idea that well-modernized SMEs can better scale operations and penetrate new markets.

This initiative by the Ontario government through the Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) is more than a financial aid; it symbolizes a strategic support framework to nurture innovation and growth. For SMEs, this means not only receiving financial backing but also acquiring the strategic insights necessary to sustain these transformations long-term. This can involve adopting advanced digital technologies like cloud computing, advanced data analytics, automation, and more, tailored specifically to the unique contexts of each SME.

With today's fast-paced digital evolution, the survival and growth of businesses significantly depend on their ability to adapt and innovate. The DMAP grant facilitates this growth by lowering barriers that SMEs often face—such as funding and expertise—thus driving them towards a more prosperous digital future. The commitment to growth, a willingness to innovate, and openness to change are central themes around which the DMAP is structured, ensuring that the SMEs involved are not just catching up with technological trends but are actively setting them within their sectors.

Overall, the DMAP grant is an essential tool for Ontario SMEs aiming to achieve digital fluency and innovation. It aids them not just in understanding their technological needs but also in implementing meaningful strategies that align with their broader business goals. This capacity for transformation ensures that Ontario's business ecosystem remains robust, competitive, and ready to face future challenges with confidence.