The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), by the Government of Canada, helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital technologies to increase their competitiveness. Eligible businesses will receive a grant to build their digital plan, followed by a 0% loan of up to $100,000 to implement it.
In Partnership with TMAC
Up to $100K
BDC loan amount
0%
Interest rate
$15K
ISED grant
What does it cover?
The loan covers items directly related to the digital plan. Some examples are:
How to apply
1. Register
Get started on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) website.
2. Build a plan
Build your digital plan with the help of an ISED-approved partner.
3. Get approved
Submit your plan and invoices to ISED for approval and they’ll disburse a grant of up to $15,000 to cover your advisory fees.
4. Apply with BDC
Once your plan is approved, use the personalized link in your email to apply for a loan of up to $100,000.
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Frequently asked questions
The Canada Digital Adoption Plan website shows two funding opportunities, Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online and Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology. What’s the difference?
Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online
BDC is not involved in this stream.
Grow Your Business Online helps small, consumer-facing businesses with yearly revenues under $500k to take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. It provides advisory services as well as micro-grants of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies.
Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology
BDC is involved in this stream.
Boost Your Business Technology helps small and medium sized businesses that require more advanced technology. These businesses will be able to access a grant from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to cover up to 90% of the cost of advisory services to develop a digital adoption plan, to a maximum grant value of $15,000. The business will then have the opportunity to apply for a zero-interest loan of up to $100,000 from BDC to implement the technology.
Please note that although the loan request is being made under CDAP, applicants must meet CDAP eligibility criteria and BDC credit worthiness requirements to receive a loan offer.
I qualified for Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online, can I still request a zero-interest loan?
No, the zero-interest loan is only for businesses that are eligible under Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology.
Can I apply for Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology loan if I am a start-up?
Companies that can demonstrate a minimum of $500K in revenues either in year 2020, 2019 or 2018 are eligible for the Boost Your Business Technology stream. If they do not meet these criteria, they may apply to Stream 1: Grow your business online. Please note that although the loan request is being made under CDAP, applicants must meet CDAP eligibility criteria and BDC credit worthiness requirements to receive a loan offer.
Can I apply for multiple businesses?
Yes, you may submit applications to CDAP for multiple businesses. Each business will need to operate separately from the other(s) and have its own digital adoption plan.
Will BDC Advisory Services be able to help me with the creation of a digital adoption plan?
Yes, BDC is one of the registered service providers on the Digital Advisors Marketplace. If your business is deemed eligible for the Boost Your Business Technology stream, you will have access to a curated list of service providers that are right for you on the Digital Advisors Marketplace. You can then select the service provider that meets your needs. Please note that selecting BDC as an advisor will not affect your chances of qualifying for a zero-interest loan. All businesses are treated equally, whether they are existing BDC clients or not.
Can I be considered for a loan if I already have a digital adoption plan?
If you have a Systems Selection plan or a digital adoption plan from BDC Advisory Services, or if you have another plan created by a digital adoption program recognised by ISED, you are invited to apply through the CDAP portal for the Boost Your Business Technology stream. During the application process, select the fast-track option and upload your plan. After it is approved, you will be referred to BDC to apply for the 0% loan. To account for uncertainties and delays caused by the pandemic, existing plans of up to 24 months old are eligible for CDAP. For the complete list of recognised programs, visit ISED’s website.
How long do I have to apply for the 0% loan after my digital adoption plan is approved?
You will have 6 months from the time you receive your personalized link from ISED to BDC to complete your loan application. If you’ve completed a digital adoption plan through another recognized program, you have 30 days to apply. If you exceed this timeframe, you will be ineligible for the loan.
