Digital Transformation Grant Program
$2,500.00
Grant
Description:
The Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program is focused on assisting small businesses with their adoption of technologies. The program provides training, advisory support and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation.
Comments on Funding:
Funding is a $2,500 grant.
Applications are closed. Stay tuned for future intake announcements.
Eligibility:
The applicant must be a business that:
1. has a permanent ‘brick-and-mortar’ establishment in Ontario;
2. is employing 1-50 employees;
3. is not a home-based business;
4. is paying commercial property tax (commercially assessed), either directly or through commercial rent;
5. is a registered business in Ontario and/or is incorporated;
6. is open for business/operating at the time of application (not a start-up);
7. is open to the general public for walk-in and onsite purchases of goods and services – not a wholesaler or manufacturer;
8. is not a business supplying digital services to other businesses (e.g., website design/development, SEO, programming);
9. is not a franchise, including those individually owned and operated;
10. is not a not-for-profit/ charitable organization;
11. is not renting office space on a temporary basis (month-to-month);
12. is not in a shared workspace such as a hot desk or dedicated desk;
13. is not a purely online business;
14. is owned by:
a) an Ontario resident operating a business in Ontario;
b) an individual of 18 years of age or older at the time of application;
c) a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
15. has completed the digital transformation for main street program, which includes:
a) the digital main street assessment;
b) has passed the eligibility quiz;
c) the online training;
d) developing a digital transformation plan.
Application Steps:
Applicants must:
1. Create an account on digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants;
2. Complete their digital assessment;
3. Pass the eligibility and pre-qualification quiz (an email will be sent inviting the business to continue the application process and apply);
4. Complete an online training program focused on developing their digital literacy skills;
5. Develop a Digital Transformation Plan (DTP);
6. Submit an application that includes detailed information on the DTP along with the supporting documentation.
OBIAA will review the application and once approved, the business will receive an agreement to be executed by both the business owner and OBIAA. Upon receipt of the signed agreement, OBIAA will release the $2,500 grant to the business to begin implementing the DTP.
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. a detailed budget (costs net of HST);
2. a copy of their Commercial Tax Bill or a letter/lease from landlord indicating they pay commercial taxes;
3. a copy of their Business Number, Articles of Incorporation (AOI), Master Business License (MBL) or business registration;
4. photos of their exterior storefront/business signage and interior commercial business operations.
Other Things to Note:
Nov. 2023
The Digital Transformation Grant application portal is now closed. Congratulations to all the successful applicants!
Older:
The Digital Transformation Grant application portal is now closed and will reopen in early January 2023 based on grant availability. Once the portal re-opens, it will remain open until October 31, 2023 or until the grant funds are exhausted.
About the author
Maurice