Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
4 other programs are open, with financing up to $150,000
- Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)Get 50% back, up to $5,000, on modern store technology for your Ontario shop: POS, inventory tracking,…Grant · OntarioUp to $5,000
- Starter Company PlusOntario's Small Business Enterprise Centres offer up to $5,000 plus training to people starting,…Grant · OntarioUp to $5,000
- BDC Financing: Start-upGet up to $150,000 in BDC financing to buy equipment, pay franchise fees, or launch marketing for your…Loan · Canada-wideUp to $150,000
- Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)BDC's technology equipment loan is for businesses with at least 12 months of revenue that need…Loan · Canada-wide
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Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program
This $2,500 Ontario grant helped brick-and-mortar businesses pay for digital tools like a website, e-commerce and POS. Applications are not open right now. We re-check this program and will update this page when that changes. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“Digital Transformation Grant Program is focused on providing qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses with a digital assessment, online training and a $2,500 grant to implement their digital transformation plan.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come before you spend any money. Purchases made prior to grant approval are ineligible for reimbursement.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a physical brick-and-mortar business in Ontario with 1 to 50 employees.
- You want to build or improve your website, buy productivity software, or hire help for digital marketing.
- You are an independent business, not a franchise, not-for-profit, or purely online operation.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a franchise, a not-for-profit, or a business that only provides digital services to other businesses.
- You are a start-up or do not yet have a permanent physical location open to the public.
- You received this grant after June 21, 2022. If you own several businesses, you can get only one grant in total.
How much you'd realistically get
A fixed $2,500 grant. You do not repay it.
What may be supported
- Website development, redesign, or e-commerce enablement.
- Digital marketing services (hiring a consultant or agency).
- Productivity or social media software (e.g., Hootsuite, LastPass).
- Photography and videography for digital content.
- Hardware up to $1,000 (e.g., POS systems), if deemed necessary.
What's excluded or restricted
- Purchases made prior to grant approval.
- Microsoft Office or equivalent.
- Website hosting.
- Domain name renewal.
- Software subscription renewal.
- Signage and printing, including LED/digital signage.
- Logo redesign and rebranding.
- Unnecessary or excessive equipment (or equipment the business already has and wants to improve), as determined by OBIAA.
- iPhones or cell phones of any type, no exceptions.
- Business owner’s salary or current employee salary for executing the project.
- Costs of land, building, or vehicle purchase.
- Print advertising in magazines and newspapers, printed menus, table cards, business cards (even if referencing digital channels).
- Any costs not listed under 'Eligible Costs' are deemed ineligible.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete online training and develop a detailed Digital Transformation Plan before applying. You also need to submit receipts and a final report after spending the funds.
- 01Create an account on digitalmainstreet.ca/ontariogrants.
- 02Complete the Digital Main Street Assessment and pass the eligibility quiz.
- 03Complete the required online training program.
- 04Develop a Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) with a detailed budget (costs net of HST).
- 05Submit your application with the DTP, commercial tax proof, business registration, and photos of your storefront and interior.
- 06Execute the agreement with OBIAA upon approval. Do not spend money until you have the signed agreement.
Who to ask: grants@obiaa.com
Documents commonly required
- Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) with detailed budget.
- Copy of Commercial Tax Bill or lease/letter indicating payment of commercial taxes.
- Business Number, Articles of Incorporation, Master Business License, or business registration.
- Photos of exterior storefront/business signage and interior commercial operations.
What to know before you count on it
- The grant is taxable income. Ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- You must complete the Digital Main Street Assessment, pass an eligibility quiz, finish online training, and create a Digital Transformation Plan before you can apply.
- Hardware is capped at $1,000 and must be deemed necessary by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA). iPhones and cell phones are strictly excluded.
- You cannot use the grant for logo redesigns, signage, print advertising, domain renewals, or Microsoft Office.
What are your odds?
This is a grant, not a loan. It is selective. Past intakes were limited to specific windows. If the portal is closed, you cannot apply until it reopens.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same thing as CDAP?
No. The federal Canada Digital Adoption Program stopped taking applications in 2024. The Digital Transformation Grant is a separate Ontario program run through Digital Main Street, and it opens in waves. When a wave is open, it plays a similar role: helping main-street businesses adopt digital tools, subject to program rules, available funding, and approval.
Can I use the grant for my logo or signage?
No. Logo redesign, rebranding, signage, and printing are explicitly excluded.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, it is a grant. It does count as taxable income, so talk to your accountant.
Can I apply if I am a franchise?
No. Franchises are not eligible for this grant.
What if I already got this grant in 2022?
If you received a grant after June 21, 2022, you cannot apply again. If you received one before that date, you may apply only if all final reports were verified by OBIAA.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Retail POS
Grants and loans that may help pay for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
What you can combine it with
You can only receive one grant per owner. If you own multiple businesses, you must choose which one to apply for.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.