Funding will help nearly 450 businesses increase revenue while creating good-paying jobs
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect workers and support small and medium-sized businesses with an additional $5 million to expand the Digital Competence Centre (DCC). This provincewide initiative is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to help nearly 450 businesses adopt digital tools, modernize operations and improve productivity so that they can continue to grow, create good-paying jobs and stay competitive.
Ontario businesses can access hands-on support and funding through the DCC’s Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which provides a matched grant of up to $15,000 that helps businesses plan for technology investments. Companies that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for additional funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which includes a grant of up to $50,000 to match private investment in purchasing and installing new technologies that support business growth and create jobs.
“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,” said MPP Logan Kanapathi. “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.”
Through the DCC’s Retail Modernization Project Grant, eligible small retailers with 50 or fewer employees can also receive a matched grant of up to $5,000 to adopt technologies such as point-of-sale systems, online payments, inventory management software, customer relationship management solutions, cybersecurity supports and artificial intelligence tools.
One Markham company already benefiting from the program is Sable Metal Fabrication. Owner Scott Harnett said the funding has helped the company adapt to a fast-paced, competitive industry.
“Ontario’s support has enabled Sable Metal to move from fragmented, manual operations to a more connected, data-driven business,” Harnett said. “It has improved speed, strengthened decision-making, and positioned the company for continued growth in a competitive global market.
Since its launch in 2022, the DCC has provided more than 800 grants to Ontario businesses, expected to generate up to $600 million in additional sales revenue and support approximately 3,000 new and existing jobs. Participating companies also saw average cost savings of 23 per cent and 192 hours of labour saved per month, helping to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Photo: Sable Metal Fabrication owner Scott Harnett (2nd from right) with local dignitaries at the recent DCC funding announcement.