- Ontario is investing $7.5M to help small businesses upgrade digital tools and strategies.
- Funding includes grants of up to $115,000 per business through the DCC.
- New Retail Modernization Project helps storefronts access AI, cybersecurity, and e-commerce tools.
Ontario has launched a $7.5 million initiative to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the province enhance their digital capabilities.
A portion of the funding—$2.5 million—targets the retail sector specifically through the new Retail Modernization Project. Small storefront retailers can receive up to $5,000 in matched funding to adopt digital solutions such as AI tools, inventory automation, digital marketing platforms, and cybersecurity systems.
Small Businesses in Ontario Get Digital Lifeline Through $7.5M Government Support
The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) is the backbone of this effort, providing up to $15,000 in planning grants for companies to assess their current digital maturity. Upon completing DMAP, businesses are eligible to apply for an additional $100,000 to implement new technology solutions through the Technology Demonstration Program. These phases ensure that investments are strategic and based on solid planning.
Ontario-based businesses applying for these grants must meet specific criteria, including being for-profit and fulfilling certain employee and revenue benchmarks. The intention is to target companies that are ready to scale but need technological upgrades to compete effectively in digital marketplaces.
The DCC is operated by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, which coordinates over 100 digital consultants and 140 local technology vendors. This network ensures that businesses not only receive funding but also gain access to experienced professionals and made-in-Ontario tech solutions.
So far, businesses that have tapped into these resources report over $380 million in additional revenue—a strong indicator that digital investment is not only essential but also profitable. The province sees this as a strategic path toward economic leadership within the G7.
Ontario’s digital investment plan is more than just funding—it’s a commitment to equipping local businesses with tools to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
