OCI — Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)

• Program guidelines
• Eligible expenses guidelines
• Proposal template
• Letter of support template
• Reimbursement template

Who is eligible?

• Ontario-based for-profit SMEs with 1 to 499 employees.
• SMEs that have completed a DMAP project.
• Businesses with at least $750,000 in annual revenue in one of the last three tax years.
• Companies partnering with a digital technology vendor.

Who is not eligible

• Businesses engaged in e-commerce operations.
• Corporate chains, franchises or registered charities.
• Multi-level marketing representatives.
• Professional business services, including legal, accounting, marketing, public relations, financial/insurance advisory, recruitment and real estate brokerages.
• Not-for-profits.

Eligible expenses

• Project costs directly tied to the adoption and implementation of the DMAP technology.
• Installation and subscription costs for technology platforms and back-office solutions.
• Technical staff salaries directly tied to the project.
• Software, hardware and accompanying software used for the project.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Marketing and promotional activities, including advertising, SEO and market research.
• Purchases made before grant approval.
• Out-of-province travel costs and capital expenses.
• Ongoing operational or production labour costs.
• Website redesign and standalone social media advertising.

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario

• Digital maturity and current capabilities.
• Need for digital modernization.
• Ability and commitment to invest in technology adoption.
• Growth potential and economic impact for the SME and Ontario.
• Project feasibility, team expertise and application completeness.

• Step 1: Interest form
  • Submit the client intake form to be connected with OCI support.
  • Express interest in the program and provide business information.
• Step 2: Application setup
  • Receive access to OCI’s online application system.
  • Prepare the required proposal and supporting documents.
• Step 3: Endorsement and submission
  • Request endorsement from the BDM or DAA.
  • Submit the application through AccessOCI.

• Applications are first reviewed internally for eligibility, completeness and financial compliance.
• Deficiencies are sent back to the applicant for revision.
• Eligible and complete applications are reviewed by an external committee of subject matter experts.
• Applicants are notified of the funding decision by email.
• Approved applicants receive OCI’s standard funding agreement.

• The program is delivered by OCI on behalf of the Ontario government.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis when the program is open.
• Applicants must apply with a digital technology vendor.
• A funding agreement must be signed after approval.