What is Digitalization?
Digitalization is redefining what’s possible for Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By integrating digital tools into everyday processes, businesses are boosting productivity, cutting costs, and delivering smarter and faster service while staying ahead of the curve. The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), supported by the Ontario Government, is at the forefront of the province’s SME digital transformation.
See How Digital Transformation Is Changing Ontario’s Business Landscape
Digitalization is more than adopting new technology – it’s a strategic advantage.
Digital modernization has helped SMEs across Ontario boost productivity by:
- Increasing output by an average of 14%
- Saving an average of 192 hours in operational time and labour per month
- Reducing operational costs by an average of 23%
How You Can Realize These Benefits
The DCC is dedicated to helping SMEs harness digital tools and modern technology to improve operations and remain competitive in a digital-first economy. It does this by:
| Building digital fluency Offering educational webinars, info sessions, and free digital transformation toolkits to help SMEs understand the value of digital adoption and create a tailored Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP). | Accelerating technology adoption Providing funding and guidance through the Technology Demonstration Program and Retail Modernization Project Grant, helping companies test and implement new digital tools, equipment and processes. |
| Growing capacity across sectors Supporting both individual companies and entire industries to scale their technological capabilities. | Connecting Ontario’s innovators Facilitating partnerships between SMEs and Ontario-based tech firms to adopt homegrown digital solutions. |
Your Digital Transformation Journey Starts Here
DCC has three program streams to support SMEs in the adoption and implementation of digital technology. Learn more about which program stream is right for your company.
Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP)
Receive up to $15K in support to develop a custom DMAP with a Digital Adoption Consultant tailored specifically to your organization’s digital needs.
BEST SUITED FOR:
Ontario-based for-profit SMEs with between 1-499 employees
SMEs looking to understand their digital needs and adopt and implement digital technologies to grow their company
Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
Receive up to $100K in support to implement DMAP recommendations for your digital transformation.
BEST SUITED FOR:
SMEs with at least $500K of annual revenue in one of the last three tax years
SMEs who have completed a DMAP project and are looking to adopt and implement the digital technology laid out in the DMAP
Ontario-based for-profit SMEs with between 1-499 employees
Retail Modernization Project grant (RMPG)
Receive up to $5K in support to adopt and implement digital technologies, hardware and software.
BEST SUITED FOR:
Minimum 1 year in business with at least $100K of annual revenue
Direct-to-Consumer business with a physical storefront (i.e., retail, restaurants & food, professional services such as hairstyling, florists, etc.)
Ontario-based-for-profit business with between 1-50 employees
First-come-first served model, while funds last
Note: Applicants can apply to either DMAP or RMPG, but not both
From Adapting to Advancing: DCC Puts Ontario SMEs in the Lead
Interest Form
Express your interest and see if DCC programs are right for your business
DCC TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Find digital tools and resources and upcoming event listings that can help your company digitize and grow
events, DAC Registration and Vendor Registration
Contact a Program Lead
Vahid Sadr
Program Manager
vsadr@oc-innovation.ca
Rohit Sharma
Digital Adoption Advisor
rsharma@oc-innovation.ca
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