HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE GRANT
A simplified process!
Evaluate your company's eligibility
Validate your project’s eligibility
Ensure 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
- Offer discounts
- Maintain a loyalty program
- 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.