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Source verified May 25, 2026
Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)
Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting and implementing digital technologies
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) provides up to $5,000 to help Ontario direct-to-consumer SMEs with a physical storefront adopt digital technologies. Eligible activities include implementing hardware, software and digital tools that modernize retail, restaurant or service operations and improve productivity.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 100,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- 1-50 employees
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Adoption and implementation of digital technologies in business operations.
- Integration of new hardware or software to modernize retail and direct-to-consumer services.
- Upgrading business processes with digital tools to improve efficiency and productivity.
Documents Needed
- Proposal template
- Supporting documents uploaded in AccessOCI
- Invoices and proof of payment
- Final report and claim documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Direct-to-consumer businesses with a physical storefront
- Retail businesses
- Restaurants and food service businesses
- Professional services such as hairstyling and florists
Who is not eligible
- E-commerce businesses and exclusively online storefronts
- Corporate chains and franchises
- Registered charities and not-for-profits
- Businesses operating three or more related locations
- Businesses focused on advisory or consultation services
Eligible expenses
- Hardware and software purchases
- External installation or setup costs
- Eligible digital solutions and related commissioning costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Software subscriptions
- Marketing, website, and SEO costs
- Consultancy fees
- Purchases made before grant approval
- Labor and staff costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Clarity of the need for digital modernization
- Expected growth, productivity, and economic benefits
- Capacity and commitment to invest in digital adoption
- Feasibility and quality of the project plan
- Overall quality and completeness of the application
How to apply
- Step 1: Start the application through AccessOCI
- An OCI Business Development Manager or Digital Adoption Advisor must initiate the application.
- Applicants may first complete a client intake form to be connected with support.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Use the AccessOCI link provided after the opportunity is confirmed as suitable.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Obtain endorsement and submit
- Request endorsement from your Business Development Manager or Digital Adoption Advisor.
- Submit the application once the endorsement is in place.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed internally for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance.
- Eligible applications are then reviewed by a committee of subject matter experts.
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision by email.
- Approved applicants must sign the standard funding agreement electronically before funds are released.
- Funding is reimbursed after project completion and approval of the final claim report.
Additional information
- Funding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis while resources last.
- Applicants may only apply to either the Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP) or the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG), but not both.
- Educational webinars, information sessions, and free digital transformation toolkits are available to support applicants.
- DCC facilitates partnerships between SMEs and Ontario-based technology firms for digital solution adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) Program
What is the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)?
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) provides up to $5,000 to help Ontario direct-to-consumer SMEs with a physical storefront adopt digital technologies. Eligible activities include implementing hardware, software and digital tools that modernize retail, restaurant or service operations and improve productivity.
How much funding can be received?
Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) program?
To be eligible for the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) program, you must:
Ontario-based for-profit business with 1-50 employees
Minimum 1 year in business with at least $100K annual revenue
Direct-to-consumer business with a physical storefront
What expenses are eligible under Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)?
Adoption and implementation of digital technologies in business operations.
Integration of new hardware or software to modernize retail and direct-to-consumer services.
Upgrading business processes with digital tools to improve efficiency and productivity.
Who can I contact for more information about the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)?
You can contact Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
Where is the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) available?
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is a Grant and Funding