Running a successful business in Canada today means staying sharp, adapting to change, and always looking for an edge. Whether you're a retail store, a service provider, or a rental shop, you know the importance of efficient operations, a strong online presence, and business technology.
| What you might not know is that the federal and provincial governments are actively invested in your success – so much so that they offer a wide array of grants, loans, and advisory services designed to help businesses like yours grow. |
Is your Canadian business ready to upgrade its tech, expand online, or innovate? You might be leaving money on the table! The Canadian government offers powerful programs to help businesses like yours thrive.
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At Windward Software, we’re committed to empowering our Canadian customers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the landscape of government support and discover programs that can directly benefit your business.
Which Government Program Fits Your Business Goal?
Let’s cut to the chase: You have specific goals for your business. The good news is, there are government programs tailored to help you achieve them. Here’s a breakdown of common business goals and the Canadian government support that can help make them a reality.
Goal 1: "I want to upgrade my technology and boost my online presence."
The Solution: The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP).
This is arguably the most relevant and impactful program for many Windward Software customers. CDAP helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt new digital tools and technologies to improve their competitiveness.
- Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online
- What it offers: A micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help you get online, improve your e-commerce capabilities, and leverage digital marketing. This includes support for developing new online stores, integrating payment systems, and improving your digital presence.
- Windward Connection: Are you looking to launch an e-commerce store that integrates seamlessly with your Windward System Five™ POS? Or perhaps enhance your existing online shop? This grant can help cover the costs!
- Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology
- What it offers: A grant of up to $15,000 to work with an approved digital advisor to develop a comprehensive digital adoption plan. Once your plan is approved, you can then apply for an interest-free loan of up to $100,000 from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to implement the technologies outlined in your plan.
- Windward Connection: Considering upgrading to the latest version of Windward System Five, integrating new modules like Windward Intelligence Reporting, implementing the Windward System Five on Cloud solution, or streamlining your inventory and customer management through our array of enhanced digital tools? A digital adoption plan can map out these improvements, and the grant/loan can help fund them. This is a huge opportunity to future-proof your operations!
Goal 2: "My business is based in a specific region, and I need general growth or expansion support."
The Solution: Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
Canada understands that economic development varies by region. That’s why there are seven dedicated RDAs across the country that offer tailored funding and support to local businesses. These agencies are often the first stop for local businesses looking for non-repayable contributions or low-interest loans for a wide range of initiatives.
- Who they are:
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA): For businesses in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED): For businesses in Quebec.
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario): For businesses in southern Ontario.
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor): For businesses in northern Ontario.
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan): For businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan): For businesses in British Columbia.
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor): For businesses in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
- Windward Connection: Looking to expand your operations, move to a larger facility, enter new markets, or purchase significant equipment? Your regional RDA can be a fantastic resource. They often have programs that can support capital expenditures, market development, and job creation.
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Access Canadian Government Support
Ready to explore these opportunities? Here's how to get started, simply and effectively:
- Start with the Official Tool: The Business Benefits Finder
- Your Best First Step! The Government of Canada offers an incredibly useful online questionnaire called the Business Benefits Finder.
- How it works: Answer a few simple questions about your business, and it will generate a personalized list of federal, provincial, and territorial programs and services that you might be eligible for. It only takes a few minutes!
- Find it here: Canada.ca/business-benefits-finder
- Prioritize Digital Adoption: Explore CDAP
- For most Windward Software customers, the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) will offer the most direct and accessible funding opportunities. Plan to spend time understanding both the "Grow Your Business Online" and "Boost Your Business Technology" streams.
- Connect Locally: Reach out to Your Regional Development Agency
- Even if you're not sure which program applies, visiting your specific RDA's website or contacting their regional office is highly recommended. They are experts in local business needs and can often guide you to the right resources.
How Windward Software Can Help You Apply
As you explore these government programs, particularly the CDAP "Boost Your Business Technology" stream, you'll likely need detailed information about the technology you plan to adopt.
Our Windward Software team can be a valuable resource during this process:
- Quotes & Documentation: We can provide detailed quotes for software upgrades, new modules, integrations, or services that you plan to include in your digital adoption plan.
- Project Details: We can help you articulate how Windward solutions align with your business goals and the requirements of government programs.
Don't let potential funding pass you by! The Canadian government is actively seeking to empower businesses like yours. Take the initiative, use the resources provided, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
If you have Questions, We're here to help. Give us a call at +1 (800) 663-5750