In the ever-evolving realm of business, the ability to adapt isn't just a competitive advantage; it's the key to survival. The Government of Canada recognizes this reality and has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative—the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)—to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate the digital frontier. But what sets CDAP apart, and how can your business harness its benefits?

What's in it for You? Grants, Subsidies, and Interest-Free Loans

• Digital Adoption Plan Development: Receive up to $15,000 to create a tailored Digital Adoption Plan (DAP) for your business.
• Implementation Financing: Access up to $100,000 in a 0% interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to implement your DAP.
• Skilled Workforce Support: Obtain up to $7,300 to hire a skilled youth to implement the technologies outlined in your DAP.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CDAP grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Canadian-owned.
• Sole proprietorship or business incorporated under Canadian laws.
• For-profit.
• 1 to 499 employees.
• Annual revenue between $500,000 and $100 million in one of the previous three tax years.

To confirm eligibility, use the CDAP grant assessment tool and consult the program guide for detailed criteria. CDAP streamlines eligibility verification through real-time checks using your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Business credentials. Follow these steps:

Consent: Provide consent to use your CRA business information for eligibility verification.

Login: Access the CRA website using your My Business Account credentials.

Confirmation: Once eligibility is confirmed, proceed to provide relevant business information to complete your application.

Grant Agreement: Sign the CDAP grant agreement, provide banking information, and gain access to the Digital Advisor Marketplace.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward and consists of four steps:

CDAP Account Creation

1. Create Your Account:

   Begin by creating a CDAP account using your email address, GCKey Sign In, or Interac Sign In.

2. Confirm Eligibility:

   Verify your eligibility using the CDAP portal and the program guide.

3. Digital Adoption Plan Development:

   Work with a digital advisor to create a customized DAP for your business.

4. Claim Submission:

   Submit your claim through the CDAP Applicant Portal, including your DAP and invoice from the digital advisor.

The CDAP recognizes that digital transformation requires not only financial support but also expert guidance. To address this need, the program provides SMEs with access to a marketplace of qualified digital advisors who can assist in developing and implementing DAPs. These advisors possess the expertise to help businesses identify and adopt appropriate technologies, ensuring a smooth and successful digital transformation journey.

Claim Your Grant

After finalizing your Digital Adoption Plan, it's time to claim your grant payment from CDAP. Follow these steps:

1. Upload Documents:

   Log in to the CDAP Applicant Portal and upload your Digital Adoption Plan and the invoice from your digital advisor.

2. Provide Information:

   Include the final cost, name of the digital advisor firm, and any other relevant information.

3. Review and Payment:

   The program will review your submission and issue the grant payment within 30 days if all requirements are met.

Transforming Businesses, Strengthening the Economy

CDAP has already made a significant impact on the Canadian business landscape, assisting over 40,000 SMEs in adopting digital technologies and enhancing their online presence. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, they are experiencing increased productivity, improved customer service, reduced costs, and expanded market reach, ultimately contributing to Canada's economic growth and competitiveness in the global digital era.