CDAP's digital transformation grant program ends applications early due to high demand
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), launched in 2021 to support Canadian businesses in digital transformation, unexpectedly closed its application window over the Family Day long weekend, as announced by Global Newswire.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced that the CDAP's Boost Your Business Technology grant component is now fully subscribed, leading to an earlier-than-anticipated end to new applications.
Initially, on February 16, digital advisors of the program received a notification stating, “Due to this high level of demand, CDAP's Boost Your Business Technology grant is almost fully subscribed, and intake for new applications will be closing in the coming days.”
The notice clarified that businesses with approved grant agreements could continue their CDAP journey and apply for the BDC 0 percent interest loan and wage subsidy.
A subsequent update on February 19 confirmed the full subscription of the CDAP and the closure of new applications for the Boost Your Business Technology grant.
ISED has assured that businesses with approved grant agreements will still receive support in their digital transition. This includes access to the BDC 0 percent interest loan and the youth wage subsidy for implementation support.
Updates are to be continuously provided through the CDAP newsletter and the official website.
Couch & Associates, a digital advisor for CDAP, expressed surprise at the sudden closure but reassured existing applicants that they could still proceed with the grant.
A representative stated, “We saw the news filtering in over the weekend and have been communicating it to our prospective and current partners to provide assurances. While it was unexpected, we will do everything to ensure organizations that have applied for the program receive the full benefits.”
The official CDAP website outlines that organizations can still proceed with the program if they meet one of the following criteria: having a valid grant agreement, completing a digital adoption plan ready for grant claim submission, or having an approved grant claim and wishing to apply for the BDC 0 percent interest loan and/or a wage subsidy to hire an employee.
