The Ontario government has announced a significant new investment aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the province as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital economy. With $7.5 million in new funding, the province is expanding its efforts to help local companies modernize, improve productivity, and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement as timely support for Huron County’s business community. “Digital adoption is no longer just an option—it’s essential for local businesses that want to compete and grow, not just today but well into the future. Programs like these can make a real difference for the independent retailers and manufacturers who are the heart of our local economy,” said Carmichael.
The centrepiece of the announcement is new funding for the Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), a program designed to guide companies through the process of adopting digital tools and technologies. Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the DCC connects businesses with expert guidance and training, and provides access to targeted grants to help with the costs of digital transformation. Since its launch in 2022, the DCC has already supported nearly 300 projects in industries such as manufacturing, information technology, and telecommunications, and has built a growing network of Ontario-based digital adoption consultants and vendors.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and our government is helping more businesses embrace new technologies that will improve their operations, ensuring they stay competitive in today’s digital economy.”
Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business.
The new investment includes $5 million for the Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), a program that helps businesses assess their digital needs and develop a customized roadmap for technology investments. Participating companies work directly with a consultant to identify the best digital solutions for their operations and can access grants of up to $15,000, matched to their private investment. Businesses that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for further funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which offers up to $100,000 to support the purchase and installation of new technologies that drive growth and create local jobs.
Recognizing the unique needs of the retail sector, the province is also investing $2.5 million in the new Retail Modernization Project Grant. This initiative offers retail businesses with a physical storefront a flexible grant of up to $5,000—again matched to private investment—to support the adoption of technologies such as online payment systems, inventory management software, customer relationship management tools, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence solutions.
Eligibility for these programs is broad but focused on supporting Ontario-based, for-profit businesses. For the DMAP and Technology Demonstration grants, companies must have up to 499 employees. Retailers applying for the Retail Modernization Project Grant must have between one and 50 employees, have been in business for at least a year, and have a physical storefront with at least $100,000 in annual revenue.
This investment forms part of Ontario’s ongoing plan to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the provincial economy—particularly for businesses facing economic uncertainty and rapid technological change. The Huron Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to explore these opportunities and is available to assist any member interested in learning more about digital adoption or navigating the application process.
Guide for Huron Chamber Members: Accessing Ontario’s Digital Adoption Grants
If you are ready to take the next step in digital transformation, several new grant programs are now available through the Ontario Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC). Below, you will find an overview of the three main streams, who is eligible and what they cover.
Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP): Up to $15,000 for Digital Planning
The DMAP grant is designed for Ontario-based, for-profit small and medium-sized businesses with one to 499 employees. This stream is ideal for companies looking to better understand their digital needs and develop a custom plan to adopt and implement new technologies that will help them grow. DMAP provides up to $15,000 in reimbursement to cover the cost of working with an approved Digital Adoption Consultant from the DCC’s roster. With this expert support, your business will be guided through the creation of a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
The DMAP program goes beyond planning—it helps you identify technology barriers, build digital literacy within your team, and chart a practical course for adopting new digital tools. The goal is to increase your competitiveness in the digital economy and ensure you get the most out of your technology investments. To get started, you will need to contract with a registered Digital Adoption Consultant, complete your plan, and submit it for reimbursement.
Technology Demonstration Program (TDP): Up to $100,000 for Digital Implementation
For businesses that have already completed a DMAP project and have at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the past three years, the Technology Demonstration Program is the next step. This program provides up to $100,000 in reimbursement funding to help you put your DMAP recommendations into action—whether that means investing in new software, equipment, or other digital solutions. The TDP is open to Ontario-based, for-profit SMEs with up to 499 employees and is designed to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies that can deliver high-impact growth for your business.
TDP funding can be used to implement commercialized technology solutions identified in your DMAP, with an emphasis on supporting Ontario-based technology vendors. The program also offers training and expertise to help your team make the most of new equipment and systems.
Retail Modernization Program (RMP): Up to $5,000 for Retail Technology Upgrades
If you are a retail or direct-to-consumer business in Huron County, the Retail Modernization Program is tailored to your needs. This program is open to for-profit Ontario businesses with a physical storefront, between one and fifty employees, and at least $100,000 in annual revenue, provided you have been in business for at least one year. RMP offers up to $5,000 in reimbursement for the purchase and implementation of digital technologies, including hardware and software that improve sales, marketing, payments, inventory, and customer experience.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is encouraged. To access the RMP, businesses must supply proof of payment for approved technology purchases and respond to follow-up surveys to measure results. Whether you are upgrading your point-of-sale system, adopting e-commerce tools, or enhancing cybersecurity, this grant can help offset the cost.
Important Links
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across eight Huron County municipalities, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.