While the pandemic forced many businesses to use remote working solutions, many companies still struggle to make the most of their digital resources. In an effort to increase the competitive value and competition of Canadian businesses, the government of Canada created a new investment program to help businesses make a digital transformation.
Introduced in the 2021 Federal Budget, the $4 billion Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) aimed to address the technology gap for businesses across the country. Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to upgrade or adopt new technologies could get assistance through digital adoption planning and apply for grants and loans.
MSPs in Canada could participate in the program by becoming digital advisors and helping Canadian businesses close the technology gap. The program provided up to $15,000 for businesses to work with digital advisors on the creation of a digital adoption plan. Digital advisors were listed on CDAP’s Digital Advisor Marketplace, where businesses could review qualifications and reach out for advising services.
At the time, Lane Smith, CEO of Digital Maturity Advisors, said Canada needed thousands of advisors to help get the program moving, creating a meaningful opportunity for MSPs.
How MSPs work with Canadian businesses
SMEs and digital advisors begin with a digital maturity assessment and create a digital adoption plan. Specific recommendations tailored to the client’s needs are incorporated into their business plan. Digital advisors and clients must develop written agreements outlining the objectives of the services to be provided, a detailed work plan and timeline, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the proposed payment schedule.
Once a digital adoption plan was finalized, SMEs uploaded it to CDAP and received funding as a reimbursement for 90% of the cost of development, up to a maximum of $15,000.
Canadian Digital Adoption Program needed Digital Advisors
The government has seen how companies with digital strategies perform, Smith said, and developed this program as a response to support Canadian businesses in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly global.
CDAP also offered the Grow Your Business Online grant, which was designed to help up to 90,000 small businesses improve their e-commerce capabilities. Eligible businesses could receive up to $2,400 to invest in e-commerce improvements and implementation.
Becoming a Certified Digital Advisor
Smith’s Digital Maturity Advisors had developed training and certification courses to prepare MSPs to offer digital maturity advising as part of their service offerings, increasing their value to clients and preparing them to join programs like CDAP.
Tools like ScalePad Lifecycle Manager, Smith said, can help MSPs conduct digital assessments for clients to get a full inventory and status update of their hardware, software, and asset warranties. Being able to accurately conduct a digital maturity assessment is vital for MSPs and clients to collaborate on a digital adoption plan.
MSPs who were eligible to join CDAP had a marketplace advantage: access to clients looking for digital advising services and a new way to build relationships with Canadian businesses.
Learn more about the former CDAP program on BDC’s Canada Digital Adoption Program page.