What Can I Use this Grant For?
- Develop a new e-commerce website or enhance your existing site with additional features such as online reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments, and search engine optimization (SEO).
- Install an e-commerce platform, including covering subscription fees and associated costs.
- Hire a consultant to assist with digital marketing strategies for your e-commerce store, such as social media advertising.
- Ensure that digital marketing or social media advertising expenses are integrated into an overall e-commerce implementation plan and not standalone items.
- Utilize funds to manage inventory and sales, conduct customer marketing, provide discounts, implement loyalty programs, or enhance cybersecurity through e-commerce software.
- Allocate up to 20% of the total expenses towards hardware and software costs.
- Eligible expenditures must directly contribute to the online sale of goods and services.
How Does the Grant Work?
The CDAP offers small business owners the opportunity to obtain a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to facilitate the establishment of their online presence, enhance their e-commerce operations, or digitize their business processes. The program operates on a reimbursement basis.
Once grant recipients receive conditional approval, they are required to cover costs upfront. Subsequently, funds are disbursed to recipients upon submission of the necessary proof of payment documentation to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). Recipients of the grant are obligated to sustain their digital adoption strategy for a minimum of six months.
Who Qualifies for the Grant?
Your business may qualify for funding through CDAP if it meets the following criteria:
- It operates as a for-profit entity, including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives.
- It is registered or incorporated.
- It directly sells goods and services to end consumers.
- It employs at least one person other than the owner, OR it generated a minimum of $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.
- It commits to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for at least six months.
- It agrees to participate in follow-up surveys, share data regarding the experience, and permit its name to be published as a grant recipient.
However, your business is ineligible if it falls under any of the following categories:
- It is a corporate chain, franchise, or registered charity.
- It represents a multi-level marketing company.
- It operates as a brokerage firm, such as real estate agents, investment advisors, insurance agents, etc.
- It engages primarily in online reselling or drop-shipping reliant on third-party suppliers.
- It operates as a wholesale or distribution business or a manufacturer, unless it directly sells to consumers.
Start the Process
By enrolling in the Grow Your Business Online grant, you gain access to a range of benefits, including funding of up to $2,400 to kickstart your e-commerce platform.
Collaborate with DrivingOutcomes (Shopify Partner), your trusted eCommerce Expert with over 26 years of industry experience. We’ll guide you through the process and assist you with your application (a 20 minute Zoom call).
Let’s work together to elevate your online presence and propel your business towards digital success.
