In 2021, the Government of Canada announced its $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program to help SMEs develop their digital adoption plan and drive significant enhancements by digitalizing their operations.
Published: November 16, 2023
Updated: November 16, 2023
A strategic digital adoption plan is your key to success
In a digital-first world, Canadians have changed the way they do business. To remain competitive and grow, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to adopt new digital tools.
A digital adoption plan is a technology strategy and roadmap to help SMEs achieve their business goals and increase competitiveness in the digital economy.
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a government incentive that helps businesses accelerate and facilitate their adoption of digital solutions.
Through CDAP, businesses can obtain up to $15,000 to develop a customized digital adoption plan with BDO and cover the expenses of mapping out their digital transformation path.
The CDAP grant covers up to 90% of the eligible cost of retaining the services of a Qualified Service Provider (QSP), up to a maximum grant value of $15,000 per business, to develop a digital adoption plan.
Companies with a completed digital adoption plan may also qualify for a $100,000, zero-interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to pay for technology solutions identified in their digital plan. These can include acquiring and installing new IT equipment, training staff on onboarded technologies, and any materials or support services related to onboarding the new technologies.
The CDAP grant can facilitate businesses in obtaining a wide range of technologies that empower innovation. The types of technologies that CDAP can help businesses leverage include customer relationship software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems, network security software systems, and other cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.
CDAP grant eligibility includes Canadian businesses that:
- Are incorporated federally, provincially, or as a Canadian resident sole proprietor.
- Are for-profit, privately owned business.
- Have between one and 499 full-time employees.
- Have revenue of more than $500,000 in one of the past three tax years.
How our CDAP approach helps you succeed
Following the completion of your customized digital adoption plan, our Digital Advisory team will work closely with you to scope out areas that could further improve your digital capabilities, like performing solution selections, fit/gap analyses, governance enhancements, project management, implementation support, proof-of-concept development, and other strategies.
Our Digital Advisory team has established the following five-step approach to help businesses develop and activate a strategic digital adoption plan:
Our team evaluates your eligibility for grants and determines the best funding option for your business. Comprehensive support can increase your chances of securing funding and approval.
We perform a comprehensive analysis of your operations, current technology stack, and cybersecurity controls to identify areas where digital transformation can deliver the greatest benefits. We then develop a tailored strategy that prioritizes your immediate goals.
Discover technologies that align with your business objectives and budget.
We develop a strategy that encompasses actionable steps, timelines, and resource allocation.
Whether looking to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, connect a geographically dispersed workforce, or gain deeper insights into the key elements of your business, our solutions are here to assist you every step of the way.
*Please note that BDC operates as an independent entity and loan disbursal is subject to their internal criteria and discretion. Completion of CDAP only confirms eligibility to apply for a loan and does not guarantee approval or qualification for it. BDO does not make any promises or guarantees regarding the approval or amount of any loan.
Ready to start your digital adoption journey?
Our team has extensive experience in guiding businesses through digital transformation, and we are committed to helping you succeed.
Contact us to discuss your digital transformation goals and strategy with a partner and start your CDAP application or learn more about how we’ve helped companies identify and implement the right technology solutions for their business.