Grow your business online with a $2,400 grant from the Government of Canada

When businesses adopt technology, they tend to be more productive, competitive and resilient. The business case for digitization took on new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers moved online and businesses were pushed to use technology in new ways to stay afloat amid public health restrictions. 

Technology adoption can be an uphill battle and small businesses tend to be less digitally mature than larger businesses, given their limited access to resources and skills. Climbing that hill can be especially difficult for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, as well as rural and remote businesses.

The Grow Your Business Online Grant 

In 2021, the government of Canada announced the $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help get Canadian businesses online, give their e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitize business operations.

CDAP offers businesses access to two opportunities, each offering unique funding and support: the Boost Your Business Technology grant and the Grow Your Business Online grant. 

With the Grow Your Business Online grant, businesses receive a $2,400 micro-grant to assist with the cost of e-commerce digital adoption to help strengthen e-commerce capabilities to better serve your existing customers and help you reach new customers.

The grant is available through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Interested applicants can complete a survey on the Government of Canada website to confirm eligibility. 

3 reasons to apply for the grant 

1. It is important for businesses to develop and implement e-commerce capabilities to remain competitive. 
2. The adoption of digital technologies enables businesses to serve existing customers and attract new customers. 
3. E-commerce advisors are available to answer questions on the program and application completion. 

Use the Grow Your Business Grant of $2,400 to enhance visibility, strengthen e-commerce and reach new customers

• E-Commerce: $1300/year
  • Example: Shopify, Wix, WordPress 
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): $120/year
  • Example: Google, Clicky 
• Social Media: $500/year
  • Example: Hootsuite, Canva, Instagram targeted ads 
• Hardware (max 20% of the grant): $480
  • Example: new laptop 

3 common misconceptions about grants

• You have to pay grants back. 

Truth: Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be paid back. Grants are considered taxable income. 

• It takes too much time and resources to submit a grant application. 

Truth: There are supports to help with the grant process and applications.  

• Grants are too competitive or limited 

Truth: Many grants go unclaimed.  

Interested in applying for the Grow Your Business Grant? Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce website and confirm your eligibility. 
2. Apply for the grant through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Portal. 
3. Schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss your application. Toolkits are also available to help you with the process. 
4. Receive conditional approval from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce 
5. Implement the approved e-commerce strategy. 
6. Maintain your digital strategy for six months and be available for follow up surveys or information sharing with the Government of Canada.  

If you have any questions about the Grow Your Business Online grant, contact the Ontario Chamber of Commerce at cdap@occ.ca or via phone at 1-833-751-8111.
Learn more about the Grow Your Business Online grant and the Canada Digital Adoption Program.