FAQ’s Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
CDAP is a Canadian government program that provides funding and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies. It aims to help businesses stay competitive by offering access to funding, expertise, and work opportunities for young Canadians.
Examples are those that show a direct tie to the implementation of e-commerce solutions or the cost for improving an existing e-commerce plan, which include :
- To develop a new e-commerce website or add functionality to their existing site (e.g. online reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments)
*cannot build a new website that is not e-commerce related - To install an e-commerce platform (including subscription fees/costs)
- To hire a consultant to develop digital marketing for their e-commerce store
- To use website search optimization and social media advertising
*The micro-grant cannot be used solely for website search optimization or social media advertising; such uses must be tied to an overall e-commerce implementation plan and not a standalone item. i.e. Implementing an online booking system or loyalty program and promoting the new tool would be acceptable. - To track and manage inventory and sales, market to customers, offer discounts, maintain a loyalty program, or increase cyber security using e-commerce software.
- To pay up to 20% of the total cost of hardware and software
The CDAP will invest $1.4 billion over four years, starting in 2021.
It's a stream specifically for businesses that haven’t yet benefited from eCommerce opportunities. Support includes microgrants of around $2400 to help with digital adoption costs, covering activities like website development, SEO, social media advertising, and eCommerce platform fees.
Eligible businesses should be for-profit, registered or incorporated, consumer-facing, accessible in person, have at least one employee, commit to a digital adoption strategy for at least six months post-program, and participate in follow-up surveys.
This stream allows SMEs to use government funding to strategically adopt new technologies. It offers grants of up to $15,000 to cover 90% of the cost of developing a digital plan, interest-free loans of up to $100,000 for plan implementation, and wage subsidies of $7,300 to hire Canadian youth for short-term digital/online tasks.
Businesses can seek assistance from CDAP Digital Advisors, like RIMDC Digital Marketing, to choose the best stream and identify beneficial digital technologies.
