As a small business owner, you know the importance of staying current with digital technology. But, if you’re like most small businesses, finding the money to invest in new technology can be difficult. That’s why the Government of Canada created the $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP).
CDAP is a program that helps small and medium sized enterprises (“SMEs”) improve their online presence, upgrade their existing systems, digitize their operations, and grow their customer base. Through two separate funding streams, the Grow Your Business Online and Boost Your Technology streams, SMEs can access grants and zero-interest loans to help them implement their digital plan.
The first step is to identify which stream you are eligible for. This can be done by connecting with a local service provider listed on the program web site and discussing your digital adoption needs. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can then start the process of developing your spending plan and applying for the grant.
If your application is approved, you will work with an advisor registered with CDAP to develop a digital adoption plan. Your advisor will assess your digital capabilities and make recommendations for the most appropriate technologies to use, as well as create a strategy to help you maximize the benefits of the new technology.
Once you’ve completed your digital adoption plan, you can decide whether or not to apply for a zero-interest loan from Business Development Bank of Canada to cover the costs of the implementation of the recommended technologies. You can choose from a list of BDC-approved vendors/digital adoption advisors on the program web site to help you implement your digital plan.
You’ll also need to have a clear understanding of the technology and associated costs that you’ll be implementing, as well as a budget for these expenses. Depending on the type of technology you’re implementing, there may be additional costs related to training, software licenses, and ongoing maintenance.
The Net Effect is a team of experienced business and technology consultants specializing in digital transformation for construction companies and related industries. We are a CDAP-registered digital advisory firm that satisfies all of the requirements for delivering services to Canadian SMEs and can help you get started with cdap canada. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us today. We’d be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a quote for our services. Thank you!