Grow your business online and beyond with the Canada Digital Adoption Program
The transportation industry is the backbone of the Canadian economy and the heart of our communities across the country. As businesses adapt to the digital economy, the Government of Canada is working to help Canadian based small- and medium-sized businesses continue to grow, thrive, and create jobs with the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP).
This investment, which will provide $4 billion over four years, will support up to 160,000 businesses and create good middle-class jobs across the country. With the funds, motor carriers could invest in technology like electronic logging devices, or enhancements to existing technology to improve their efficiency.
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) initiative
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a federal initiative that aims to help Canadian companies grow and compete in the digital economy. Small- and medium-sized motor carriers will be able to assess their digital readiness and apply for grants and loans online under the CDAP.
This funding will help leverage e-commerce opportunities, upgrade or adopt digital technologies, and digitize operations to stay competitive and meet customers’ needs in the digital marketplace. Depending on size, specific needs, and goals, companies can apply for funding through the “Grow Your Business Online” or “Boost Your Business Technology” streams.
Which stream fits?
The program has two streams:
- Stream I of the CDAP offers a grant of up to $2,400, dedicated to covering expenses related to digital technology adoption. For example, costs of implementing e-commerce capabilities (including reservation/booking tools, online ordering systems, electronic payments, search engine optimization, social media advertising, etc.) and a network of advisors to provide support and guidance in developing and implementing e-commerce strategies.
- Stream II provides financial support for implementing a digital adoption plan. The Boost Your Business Technology grant will offer support to small and medium-sized Canadian-owned carriers to adopt new technologies. The grant gives them up to $15,000 to develop a Digital Adoption Plan and up to $100,000 in a zero-percent interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to implement the plan
Grow online and beyond
This transformative program can help propel small and medium-sized motor carrier companies to new heights. Visit the Government of Canada webpage to learn more about CDAP, eligibility criteria and to apply online.
The site also provides access to expert advice to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory, and decide which part of the program is the right fit. Supporting a digital economy will help Canadian companies grow and create more jobs and will be crucial to Canada's long-term competitiveness. Canadian companies that take steps towards digital transformation will gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing economy and create new value propositions, enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and drive growth and profitability.
Key to remember: Investing in the right technologies and platforms that enable integration, collaboration, automation, and analytics can help improve efficiency, agility, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Consider taking advantage of the CDAP to offset the costs of implementing technology.