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Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)

Supports retail digital transformation with digital tools

Offered by
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
Official source: oc-innovation.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 3,000 - $ 5,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Ontario-based retailer that is open to the public.
See full eligibility

Overview

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) supports Ontario-based retailers that are open to the public with up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding to adopt digital technologies and improve efficiency. Eligible spending includes hardware, software, and direct external costs to install or set up solutions, such as POS systems, CRM tools, and inventory management software.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$5,000
Minimum funding
$3,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Optimize production processes
  • Digitize or modernize organizational tools

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
$ 100,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
1-50 employees
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

RMPG application guide and tips updated

The RMPG application tips document now adds clearer instructions on response length, supporting documents, budgeting, and submission readiness.

See more

The RMPG Application Tips & Tricks document now gives more detailed application instructions, including 1–3 paragraph responses, a 1-month week-by-week or day-by-day project timeline, and vendor quotations or estimates as required supporting documents. It also adds clearer budget and submission guidance, including a 50/50 company-to-OCI split, a minimum total project contribution of $6,000 before tax, a reminder that changes cannot be made after submission, and advice to use Save and Finish Later and apply early on a first-come, first-served basis.

Official source: oc-innovation.ca
July 30, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Ontario-based retailer that is open to the public.
  • Direct-to-consumer business with a physical storefront.
  • Ontario-based for-profit business with between 1 and 50 employees.

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses engaged in e-commerce operations or exclusively online storefronts
  • Corporate chains, franchises, registered charities, not-for-profits, and businesses operating three or more locations that share common elements
  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies
  • Businesses that do not engage in retail activities, businesses focused on advisory or consultation services, medical services, or hospitality businesses without a food offering or menu
  • Entities that have previously received or are currently receiving DMAP grant support

Eligible expenses

  • Actual costs directly attributable to and necessary for the completion of the project
  • Upfront hardware or software costs
  • External costs to install or set up the solution
  • Point of Sale Hardware, Mobile POS, Electronic Shelf Labels, RFID and IOT, and Self-Checkout Kiosks
  • CRM, Accounting Software, Digital storage, Inventory management, AI customer interaction systems, Scheduling and labor management, Loss prevention – Video, and Technology installation

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Costs not directly associated with meeting the deliverables and milestones specified in the funding agreement, ongoing cost of production, and purchases made prior to grant approval
  • Software subscriptions, marketing, website costs and SEO, consultancy, and indirect costs
  • Costs of land, building or vehicle purchase, intangible assets such as goodwill, and capital expenses including land, buildings and leasehold improvements
  • Labour, staff costs, rent, monthly mortgage or loan payments, debt repayment, refinancing, interest charges, depreciation or amortization, taxes, fines or penalties, and litigation costs
  • Stock for sale, fixtures and fittings, personal expenses, travel costs, meals and incidental expenses, lobbying or government relations activities, annual membership fees, and merger or acquisition costs

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Adoption of digital technology and transformation in the business
  • Acquisition and commissioning of digital solutions
  • Purchase of hardware or software

How to apply

  • Applications must be initiated in AccessOCI by an OCI Business Development Manager or an OCI Digital Adoption Advisor
  • Businesses may complete a Client Intake Form to be connected with an OCI BDM or OCI-DAA
  • After the opportunity is confirmed as suitable, the applicant is sent a link to OCI’s online application system, AccessOCI
  • Complete the online application form, upload supporting documents, and request endorsement from your BDM/DAA before submission

Documents Needed

  • Vendor quotations or estimates

Selection criteria

  • Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

Processing and Agreement

  • OCI reviews applications internally within approximately one week for eligibility, completeness and financial compliance, and sends any deficiencies for revision
  • Eligible and complete applications are reviewed by a committee comprising subject matter experts, and applicants are notified of OCI’s funding decision by email
  • Approved applicants receive OCI’s standard funding agreement for execution; it must be signed through OCI’s online electronic signature function and is non-negotiable
  • Once the funding agreement is executed, OCI activates the project in AccessOCI and funding is released only after the project completion claim report has been approved
  • Applicants must submit all required final reports within 10 days of project completion, complete the mandatory post-project outcomes survey three months after completion, and complete the annual retrospective survey for three years from the end date of the project

Additional information

  • RMPG is part of a broader Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) initiative.
  • The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) is supported by the Ontario Government.

Contacts

FShikongo@oc-innovation.ca

Official sources

Digital Competence Centre - Ontario Centre of Innovation

Application form

DCC RMPG Interest Form - Intellistack
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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) supports Ontario-based retailers that are open to the public with up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding to adopt digital technologies and improve efficiency. Eligible spending includes hardware, software, and direct external costs to install or set up solutions, such as POS systems, CRM tools, and inventory management software.

How much funding can be received?

Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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 retailer open to the public. Operate from a physical commercial location, not home-based. Employ 1–50 full-time staff and have been incorporated and in operation for at least 1 year, with at least $100,000 in annual revenue (before taxes).

What expenses are eligible under Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)?

Actual costs directly attributable to and necessary for the completion of the project Upfront hardware or software costs External costs to install or set up the solution Point of Sale Hardware, Mobile POS, Electronic Shelf Labels, RFID and IOT, and Self-Checkout Kiosks CRM, Accounting Software, Digital storage, Inventory management, AI customer interaction systems, Scheduling and labor management, Loss prevention – Video, and Technology installation

Who can I contact for more information about the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)?

You can contact Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) by email at FShikongo@oc-innovation.ca.

Where is the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) available?

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) program is available the province of Ontario.