July16, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Ontario government is committing $7.5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses across the province adopt digital technologies, improve operations, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
At the heart of the initiative is the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), which offers expert guidance, training, and targeted grants of up to $115,000 for businesses implementing made-in-Ontario digital solutions.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. ““Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to support small businesses in priority sectors like retail, so they can create jobs and grow the economy for everyone.”
The Ontario government is investing $5 million through the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to expand the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), aimed at helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation. The program assists companies in evaluating their digital needs and working with consultants to develop customized technology adoption strategies. To date, participating businesses have reported a combined $380 million increase in revenue because of the program.
Through DMAP, eligible companies can access up to $15,000 in grant funding, matching private investments to support digital planning initiatives. Once a DMAP project is completed, businesses can further apply for the Technology Demonstration Program, which provides up to $100,000 in additional matching funds to help purchase and implement new technologies that drive growth and create jobs.
In addition, the province is investing $2.5 million to help small businesses in the retail sector upgrade their technology and improve operations. The new Retail Modernization Project Grant offers flexible funding of up to $5,000, which businesses can use to match their own investments in adopting new digital tools.
The grant supports a wide range of improvements, including setting up online payment systems, inventory management software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, digital marketing solutions, cybersecurity upgrades, and even artificial intelligence applications.
This investment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to build economic resilience and strengthen its position as the most competitive economy in the G7.
Since its launch in 2022, the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) has supported 249 Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) projects in key sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, and telecommunications. Additionally, 45 Technology Demonstration Projects have received funding, bringing the total number of grants awarded across both programs to 294.
The DCC has also built a network of over 100 Digital Adoption Consultants and expanded the Ontario Digital Technology Vendors List to include more than 140 Ontario-based technology companies.
To qualify for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) grant, businesses must be Ontario-based, for-profit companies with up to 499 employees. Those interested in the Technology Demonstration Program grant must also be Ontario-based, for-profit companies with no more than 499 employees, have completed a DMAP project, and have generated at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the last three tax years. The Retail Modernization Project Grant is specifically for Ontario-based, for-profit retail businesses that operate a physical storefront, have been in business for at least one year, generate a minimum of $100,000 in annual revenue, and employ between 1 to 50 staff.
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