Ontario Fueling Small and Medium-Sized Business Growth through  Digitalization Competence Centre

November 28, 2023

Toronto ON, November 28 — Today to celebrate the 1-year mark of the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) Program, DCC announced its impacts-to-date from its $10 million investment from the Government of Ontario.

Led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), the DCC supports small and medium-sized businesses as they adopt cutting-edge digital technologies. In the first year since its inception, the DCC has generated significant economic benefits for the province.

The DCC bolsters Ontario’s business landscape by supporting companies in adopting new digital technologies, enhancing their competitiveness, and driving growth in Ontario’s rapidly evolving digital market. 

“The Digitalization Competence Centre has played a vital role in helping Ontario SMEs develop and adopt next-gen technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government is proud to support the DCC through the Ontario Centre of Innovation to support the success of our growing business environment.”

In the first year of its operation, the DCC has the following outcomes:

• Additional sales and revenues projected by DCC supported SMEs – $244,478,903
• Additional new hires projected by DCC supported SMEs – 1338
• Cost saving projected by DCC supported SMEs – $15,307,633

“These remarkable results signify the DCC’s ability to drive tangible growth and development for small and medium-sized businesses across Ontario. By embracing digital technology and harnessing its potential, these companies are unlocking new opportunities, expanding their market reach, and creating jobs, ultimately strengthening Ontario’s economy,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

The DCC, as a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic strategy, emphasizes the importance of digital transformation in driving business innovation.

“By offering specialized support and resources, the program equips businesses with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate their digital transformation successfully,” added Philippa King, Assistant Vice President Strategic Programs, Ontario Centre of Innovation.

About DCC and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI):

The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) is an Ontario government-funded initiative, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting new digital technologies to fuel growth, innovation, and competitiveness. By offering tailored resources and support, the DCC empowers businesses to leverage the full potential of digital transformation.

OCI brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

Media Contact

Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation

apereira@oc-innovation.ca