In today’s digital age, it’s challenging for companies to prosper or even stay afloat without an online presence. Many traditional, physical store-based businesses are falling behind due to a lack of financial resources. To help these businesses overcome this major obstacle, the Ontario Government, in collaboration with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), introduced a program known as the “Digital Transformation Grant.”
What is a Digital Transformation Grant (DTG)?
Ontario Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) is designed to assist small businesses with adopting technologies. The program will provide training, advisory support and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation.
The objectives of the Digital Main Street-Digital Transformation Ontario Grant program are to:
- Assist brick-and-mortar small businesses by providing them access to an online evaluation to identify their digital requirements.
- Offer support to aid qualified traditional small businesses in implementing their Digital Transformation Plan (grant of $2,500).
- Provide small businesses with the necessary digital skills to carry out their digital transformation, whether by implementing it themselves or making informed decisions when acquiring these services.
Who is Eligible for the Digital Transformation Grant Program
A Digital Transformation Ontario Grant is open to any business that meets the following requirements:
- Has a permanent ‘brick-and-mortar’ establishment in Ontario
- Has a staff size ranging from 1 to 50 individuals
- Operates from a location other than a residential setting
- Is subject to paying commercial property taxes, either directly or through commercial rent
- Is officially registered as a business in Ontario and/or is incorporated
- Is currently conducting business operations and is not in its initial startup phase
- Allows the general public to make purchases in person on the premises, excluding wholesalers or manufacturers
- It does not primarily provide digital services to other businesses (e.g., website design/development, search engine optimization, programming).
- Is not a franchise, including those managed by individual owners.
- Is not classified as a not-for-profit or charitable organization.
- Is not temporarily renting office space on a month-to-month basis.
- Is not situated in a shared workspace like a hot desk or dedicated desk.
- Does not solely operate online.
Owned by:
- A resident of Ontario who runs a business within the province.
- An individual of 18 years or older at the time of application.
- A citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Has completed the Digital Transformation for Main Street program, which includes:
- The Digital Main Street Assessment
- Has passed the eligibility quiz
- The online training
- Developing a Digital Transformation Plan
Besides the DTG, consider exploring the digital presence with a CDAP Grant for further digital expansion opportunities.
How to Apply for the Digital Transformation Grant Program
The following video explains how to apply for a Digital Transformation Ontario Grant, offering step-by-step guidance and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful application.
To apply for a Digital Transformation Ontario Grant, a business must fulfill two primary stages:
Stage 1: Application
- Register an account on digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants.
- Complete their digital assessment.
- If you pass the eligibility and pre-qualification quiz, an email will prompt the business to proceed with the application process (please check your spam filter).
- Complete an online training program designed to enhance their digital literacy skills.
- Create a Digital Transformation Plan (DTP).
- Apply by submitting an application that includes comprehensive DTP details and a thorough budget (costs net of HST).
- Provide a copy of their Commercial Tax Bill or a letter/lease from the landlord indicating payment of commercial taxes.
- Provide a copy of their Business Number, Articles of Incorporation (AOI), Master Business License (MBL), or business registration.
- Include photographs of their exterior storefront/business signage and interior commercial business operations.
Stage 2: Review & Reward
- OBIAA will review the application, and once approved, the business will be provided with an agreement that needs to be signed by both the business owner and OBIAA.
- Upon receiving the signed agreement, OBIAA will disburse the $2,500 grant to the business to initiate the implementation of the DTP.
Conclusion
Utilizing a Digital Marketing Strategy for your business is a pivotal step in leveraging the benefits of the Digital Transformation Grant program. Digital marketing provides your business with a distinct edge to surpass your competitors. Additionally, for a broader understanding of the digital opportunities available for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), you can consider exploring our comprehensive guide on Digital Transformation with CDAP. Require guidance to commence? Schedule a complimentary 1-hour consultation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rule is one owner, business, grant, and location. If one of your businesses has a partner that is a separate corporation, the partner can apply for the grant.
No, but you must demonstrate that you operate from a physical brick-and-mortar location (i.e., not home-based) and incur commercial tax expenses (either directly or indirectly).
Yes, as a sole proprietor, we regard you as your business’s primary and potentially sole employee.