Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with Digital Main Street and their ShopHERE powered by Google program to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses across the country.

Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and supported by a network of e-commerce advisors.

The are now accepting applications for the Canada Digital Adoption Program. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you will be introduced to an e-commerce advisor who can help with your e-commerce strategy.

Applications can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:

• Is a for-profit business (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives)

• Is a registered or incorporated business

• Is a consumer-facing business

• Can be accessed by end-use consumers or provides in-person services to consumers

  • Businesses that are not considered consumer-facing are those that focus primarily on wholesale trade or sell only to other businesses. Businesses that engage in drop shipping or online reselling are also not considered consumer facing.

• Has at least one employee on payroll that isn’t the owner or a contractor (full time or part time, but for at least three months prior to application) or have had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.

• Must commit to maintaining digital adoption strategy for six months after participation in the program

• Must consent to participating in follow-up surveys, sharing information with the Government of Canada (ISED and Statistics Canada), and having the name of the business published as a recipient of funding

• The following types of small businesses are ineligible:

  • Corporate chains, franchises or registered charities

  • Representatives of multi-level marketing companies

  • Real estate brokerages

  • Businesses that engage in online reselling or drop-shipping businesses reliant on third party suppliers.

  • Wholesale or distribution businesses and manufacturers (unless their business model includes direct sales to the end consumer)