Ontario Investing $5 Million to Help Small Businesses Adopt Digital Technologies

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MARKHAM - The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect workers and support small and medium-sized businesses with an additional $5 million to expand the Digital Competence Centre (DCC). This provincewide initiative is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to help nearly 450 businesses adopt digital tools, modernize operations and improve productivity so that they can continue to grow, create good-paying jobs and stay competitive.

"Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy," said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. "By expanding the Digital Competence Centre, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today's increasingly competitive marketplace."

Ontario businesses can access hands-on support and funding through the DCC's Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which provides a matched grant of up to $15,000 that helps businesses plan for technology investments. Companies that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for additional funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which includes a grant of up to $50,000 to match private investment in purchasing and installing new technologies that support business growth and create jobs.

Through the DCC's Retail Modernization Project Grant, eligible small retailers with 50 or fewer employees can also receive a matched grant of up to $5,000 to adopt technologies such as point-of-sale systems, online payments, inventory management software, customer relationship management solutions, cybersecurity supports and artificial intelligence tools.

Since its launch in 2022, the DCC has provided more than 800 grants to Ontario businesses that are expected to generate up to $600 million in increased sales revenue and support approximately 3,000 new and existing jobs. Participating companies also saw an average cost savings of 23 per cent and an average of 192 hours of labour saved per month, helping improve productivity and operational efficiency.

"The Digital Competence Centre is helping Ontario businesses turn digital adoption into measurable economic growth," said Dr. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, OCI. "Through investments in modernization, automation, AI adoption, and digital transformation, Ontario companies are improving productivity, increasing revenues, creating jobs and strengthening their long-term competitiveness. OCI is proud to continue delivering programming that helps businesses across the province scale, innovate and succeed."

As part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, the government announced an additional $5 million investment that builds on the $20 million invested in the program to date. This is part of the government's plan to protect Ontario by making the province one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7, while building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Markham-Thornhill and our government is committed to helping them succeed in an increasingly digital world. This additional $5 million investment in the Digital Competence Centre will empower local businesses to adopt new technologies, modernize their operations and boost productivity, supporting nearly 450 businesses across Ontario."

- Logan Kanapathi
MPP, Markham-Thornhill

"Ontario's economy is built on small businesses, making it critical to support entrepreneurs in adopting advanced digital technologies that will empower them to keep pace with industry demands. This renewed investment in the Digital Competence Centre will help more local companies embrace leading-edge digital tools to improve operational efficiency, deliver impactful customer experiences and catalyze long-term economic growth in communities across Ontario."

- Raed Kadri
VP Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of OVIN, OCI

"With support from the DCC, we've brought real-time data into the shop floor and connected it directly with our sales and planning systems. It's made a real difference, helping us move quicker, make better decisions and stay competitive in a demanding global market."

- Scott Harnett
Technical Director & Owner, Sable Metal Fabrication

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