Province Aims to Support Nearly 450 Businesses Through Expanded Digital Adoption Programs
MARKHAM — The Ontario government is investing an additional $5 million into the Digital Competence Centre (DCC), expanding a provincewide initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital technologies, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.
The funding, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is expected to help nearly 450 businesses modernize operations, increase sales and create good-paying jobs across Ontario.
The Digital Competence Centre is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), which supports businesses seeking to integrate digital tools and advanced technologies into their operations.
“Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “By expanding the Digital Competence Centre, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Funding Programs Target Technology Adoption and Productivity
The additional investment builds on the $20 million previously committed to the DCC since its launch in 2022. The expansion was included in the province’s 2026 Ontario Budget and forms part of the government’s broader economic strategy aimed at improving Ontario’s competitiveness within the G7.
Under the program, businesses can access support through the DCC’s Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which offers matched grants of up to $15,000. The funding helps businesses develop plans for digital and technology investments intended to modernize operations and improve efficiency.
Companies that complete a DMAP project may also qualify for additional support through the Technology Demonstration Program. That initiative provides matched grants of up to $50,000 to assist with the purchase and installation of new technologies that support growth and job creation.
Retailers Eligible for Additional Modernization Support
Small retailers employing 50 or fewer workers can also benefit from the DCC’s Retail Modernization Project Grant. Eligible businesses may receive matched grants of up to $5,000 to adopt technologies such as point-of-sale systems, online payment platforms, inventory management software, customer relationship management systems, cybersecurity tools and artificial intelligence applications.
According to the province, the DCC has already issued more than 800 grants since the program began four years ago. The government estimates those investments could generate as much as $600 million in increased sales revenue while supporting approximately 3,000 new and existing jobs.
Participating businesses also reported operational improvements, including average cost savings of 23 per cent and labour savings of roughly 192 hours per month.
“The Digital Competence Centre is helping Ontario businesses turn digital adoption into measurable economic growth,” said Dr. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, OCI. “Through investments in modernization, automation, AI adoption, and digital transformation, Ontario companies are improving productivity, increasing revenues, creating jobs and strengthening their long-term competitiveness. OCI is proud to continue delivering programming that helps businesses across the province scale, innovate and succeed.”
Government Positions Digital Investments as Economic Strategy
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to emphasize support for small businesses amid ongoing economic uncertainty and rising competitive pressures tied to technological transformation.
As part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, the provincial government also announced a reduction in the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent, effective July 1, 2026. The province said the measure represents a 31.25 per cent tax cut and is expected to provide approximately $1.1 billion in tax relief over three years.
Government officials estimate more than 375,000 small businesses across Ontario will benefit, with qualifying companies saving up to $5,000 annually.
Logan Kanapathi said the latest DCC investment will help businesses remain competitive as digital adoption becomes increasingly important.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Markham–Thornhill and our government is committed to helping them succeed in an increasingly digital world. This additional $5 million investment in the Digital Competence Centre will empower local businesses to adopt new technologies, modernize their operations and boost productivity, supporting nearly 450 businesses across Ontario.”
Raed Kadri highlighted the role of digital tools in long-term economic growth and operational efficiency.
“Ontario’s economy is built on small businesses, making it critical to support entrepreneurs in adopting advanced digital technologies that will empower them to keep pace with industry demands. This renewed investment in the Digital Competence Centre will help more local companies embrace leading-edge digital tools to improve operational efficiency, deliver impactful customer experiences and catalyze long-term economic growth in communities across Ontario.”
Business owners who have participated in the program say the support has helped improve day-to-day operations and competitiveness.
“With support from the DCC, we’ve brought real-time data into the shop floor and connected it directly with our sales and planning systems. It’s made a real difference, helping us move quicker, make better decisions and stay competitive in a demanding global market,” said Scott Harnett, Technical Director & Owner, Sable Metal Fabrication.