How to Apply for the Canada Digital Adoption Program Step by Step Guide

What is CDAP?

CDAP stands for the Canadian Digital Adoption Program, which is an initiative launched by the Government of Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Canada adopt digital technologies and improve their digital capabilities. The program provides funding to eligible SMEs to help them access digital resources and services such as website development, digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and other related technologies.

The CDAP is part of the larger Digital Adoption Program (DAP), which also includes the Rapid Adoption of Digital Technology (RADT) program and the Future Skills Centre (FSC) program. Together, these programs aim to help Canadian businesses and workers build the digital skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy.

What are the differences between Grow Your Business Online Grant and Boost Your Business Technology Grant?

The Grow Your Business Online (GYBO) Grant and the Boost Your Business with Technology (BYBT) Grant are two programs offered by the Government of Canada to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Canada. Here are some key differences between the two programs:

1. Eligibility: The GYBO Grant is available to businesses that made $30,000 in revenue in one of the last 3 years while the BYBT Grant is available to Canadian-owned and -operated SMEs with at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the last 3 years. There are more eligibility criteria differences between the two programs. Learn more.
2. Purpose: The GYBO Grant is designed to help businesses establish an online presence and reach new customers through digital marketing and advertising. The BYBT Grant, on the other hand, is designed to help SMEs adopt digital technologies to improve their business operations and competitiveness.
3. Funding Amount: The GYBO Grant provides up to $2,400 in funding to eligible businesses, while the BYBT Grant provides up to 90% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $15,000 per project.
4. Eligible Costs: The eligible costs under the GYBO Grant include expenses related to the development and implementation of a digital marketing plan, such as the creation of a website, social media marketing, and search engine optimization. The eligible costs under the BYBT Grant included expenses related to hiring a CDAP advisor, like Analog / Digital, to provide services that propel your business forward and develop a plan tailored to your business needs. More details on eligible costs are found below.

Who is eligible for CDAP grant

Boost Your Business with Technology (BYBT) Eligibilty

Businesses must..

1. Be a sole proprietor whose owner is a Canadian resident or a business incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province or territory
2. be a for-profit business
3. Has between 1 – 499 full-time equivalent employees
4. Has at least $500,000 of annual revenues but not more than $100,000,000 in one of the previous three tax years from the date of submitting a grant application.
5. Is a privately owned business

The eligibility criteria for the Boost Your Business with Technology is constantly evolving. Check with the official program website to confirm the latest criteria.

How to apply for Canadian Digital Adoption Program (Boost Your Business with Technology)

Step 1: Apply for the Business with Technology grant through this link.

Tip: Only the Owner or Director of the business can apply for the grant. An application submitted by another individual will be denied.

Step 2: Create your My Canada Business Account.

Figure 1: The owner must use their personal financial institution login to verify their identity.

You can create an account by inputting your email or by using GCKey or Interac sign-in service. If you use Interac sign-in service to create your account, use your personal financial institution banking login.

Step 3: The owner of the business verifies their personal identity

Similar to the last step, the owner of the business has to use their personal banking information when passing through the automated ID validation system. Business accounts are not eligible for the automated ID verification process.

Tip: To accelerate their application journey, applicants should choose the automated ID validation option through Verify.me by selecting the recommended option to “Verify your identity online”.

Step 4: Fill out the Digital Needs Assessment questionnaire (approx 30 mins)

Click the “Start Assessment” button to begin your digital assessment. This typically takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.

Step 5a: Apply for the program

Click the yellow “Apply now” button the begin your application.’

Step 5b: Enter your business number and business name.

Step 5c Consent to connect your business CRA account with the CDAP portal.

Step 6: Wait for program acceptance

You’ll receive an email confirming your acceptance of the grant.

Step 7: Accept the Grant Agreement

Congratulations! You’re now approved for the Boost Your Business Technology grant. Now, login back into the CDAP System, and you will find the option to
accept the grant agreement.

Step 8: Provide Banking Details

Lastly, you’ll need to provide your business banking details to receive the grant.

Step 9: Receive a custom proposal from Analog Digital to execute the Digital Adoption Program.

Once approved, we’ll schedule a call with you to go through a custom proposal for your business.

What makes Analog Digital different from other Digital Advisors?

At Analog Digital, we’ve helped dozens of businesses and e-commerce brands across Canada to take full advantage of the Canadian Digital Adoption Program.

Unlike other digital advisors, we work with you during the application process and provide advice and help you overcome issues you may encounter during the application process including sharing common applicant mistakes.

Analog Digital is one of the few web and marketing agencies vetted by the CDAP program and approved as a Digital Advisor. We have a unique view of your business and technological needs that we’re able to provide unique insights that other advisors don’t have.

Next Steps:

The Digital Adoption Plan is just the start of your digital transformation. Analog Digital is fully equipped to help in the implementation of digital and marketing initiatives through digital transformation, SEO, Paid Ads and more. Whether you’re a local business looking to get more leads or an established e-commerce brand selling the next big thing, you can benefit from Analog Digital’s partnership in scaling your business.