PCAN-Quebec is no longer accepting new applications
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) has helped more than 10,000 businesses across Quebec grow their online operations to date. While we will no longer be accepting new applications for funding as of September 30, 2024, businesses that have already submitted an application or signed a grant agreement will continue to benefit from the support of our advisors.
All grant agreements must be concluded before October 31, 2024 in order to implement your projects on time. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your advisor or write to us using our online form.
BOOST YOUR SALES
WITH THE CANADIAN DIGITAL ADOPTION PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Enhance Your Online Visibility and Optimize Access to Your Products and Services
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) assists you in strengthening your e-commerce strategy, increasing your online presence, and digitizing your business activities.
Through the “Grow Your Business Online” micro-grant, CDAP-Quebec provides funding for the implementation of an e-commerce project.
ABOUT THE GRANT
Develop Your Online Business Activities
The “Grow Your Business Online” grant is available to all Quebec SMEs, regardless of their size or sector of activity. It is designed to support companies in becoming increasingly innovative and creative in the e-commerce landscape, enabling them to capture their target audience and maintain a competitive advantage.
The grant offers the opportunity to quickly obtain a maximum amount of $2,400 through a simplified process facilitated by an e-commerce advisor.
About the application process
PCAN-Quebec works directly with companies, without intermediaries
The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Réseau des SADC et CAE are independent of any representatives other than their direct employees. No agency, service provider nor third party is authorized to act as a CDAP representative, and they are in no way involved in the grant allocation process.
Grant recipients are free to choose the service provider of their choice. PCAN-Quebec does not have any agreements with suppliers or agencies. Our interaction is exclusively with the company submitting a grant application, throughout the processing of the file.
HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE GRANT
A simplified process!
Evaluate your company's eligibility
Validate your project’s eligibility
IMPORTANT: Before incurring any expense, your project must be approved by our team. First, make sure that your project falls under one of the following categories of eligible activities:
A transactional website is an internet site through which information or monetary transactions are conducted, such as purchasing a product or service online. It is characterized by a more commercial approach and is interactive, as it allows communication between the user and the website.
*Please note that the redesign of an existing site is not eligible.
These may include new features that will help you get the most out of your online activities, such as:
- Integration of a virtual shopping cart
- Reception of online payments via PayPal or major credit cards
- Creation of an online product catalog
- Incorporation of an automated inventory control system
- Application of a tracking system
- Implementation of a system to analyze your performance using reports and statistics
- Introduction of online reservation tools
- Inclusion of online ordering and electronic payment systems
*Please note that the redesign of an existing site is not eligible.
An e-commerce platform is a software that enables you to create your own online store to sell your products on the web (ex: Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, etc.). With this platform, you can, among other things, design the interface of your e-commerce store, manage products in stock, receive purchase orders, and consolidate data related to users, items, and sales.
The grant enables your company to finance the services of a specialist to implement back-office solutions in support of an e-commerce strategy*.
*For marketing, please select the Digital Marketing activity.
A customer database is a structured collection of information about the customers of a company or organization. It serves as a central reference point for storing, organizing and managing all customer-related data and information. Having a database on your customers is fundamental to understanding their behavior and buying habits. It enables you to target their real needs and personalize the experience you offer them, as well as giving you a competitive edge.
This can include software programs that will allow you to operationalize your e-commerce site, particularly:
- Track and manage inventory and sales
- Process and ship orders
- Enhance cybersecurity.
The maximum grant amount that can be allocated to hardware and related software is 20% of $2,400 ($480).
As for the limited coverage of software, this refers to any software purchased with the equipment needed to support an e-commerce strategy. For example, if a small business buys a new integrated point-of-sale (POS) system that costs $1,300 (including software), PCAN will cover 20% or $260.
Search engine optimization, often abbreviated as SEO, refers to the set of techniques and strategies aimed at improving the visibility and ranking of a website in search engine results.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
- Digital marketing: Hire a consultant to implement digital marketing initiatives related to your
e-commerce store, loyalty programs and social media advertising costs.*
*Your grant cannot be used strictly for digital marketing or any other activities that are exclusively marketing related, with the exception of search engine optimization/SEO.
Identify your needs and objectives
To prepare adequately for the implementation of your e-commerce project, it is essential to identify your needs and objectives. Take a moment to ensure that you have considered all aspects of your project during its development. Follow the link below to access a checklist of factors to consider before launching your online store.
Complete the interest form
Now that you have verified the eligibility of your project and have a comprehensive understanding of the necessary steps to bring it to fruition, we invite you to fill out the interest form below to take the first step towards your grant.
NEXT STEPS
01. Verification of your project's feasibility
Once you have submitted your interest form, you will receive an invitation from an e-business consultant to make an appointment to discuss the feasibility of financing your project.
02. SUBMITTING THE GRANT FORM
If you are ready to submit the grant application at the meeting with the e-commerce advisor, they will proceed to help you complete the application form. This step can take between 5 and 10 minutes.
03. SIGNING THE GRANT AGREEMENT
Once your application form has been submitted, it will be analyzed and, if approved, you will receive a grant agreement to sign. This document specifies the responsibilities of each party and the conditions of the grant. All eligible expenses approved as part of your application must be incurred after the grand agreement has been signed.
04. SENDING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
To receive payment of the grant, you must send the signed grant agreement to your e-business advisor, along with your bank details, a specimen cheque, invoices and proof of payment for expenses authorized in the grant.
05. RECEIVING THE GRANT
Following an analysis, if the supporting documents submitted are in order, you will receive the transfer of grant funds within a maximum of 15 working days. Please note that beneficiary companies have 3 months to carry out the activities set out in their projects and to send in the supporting documents to claim the grant.