This guide is for Canadian SMEs that planned around CDAP and now need to compare practical routes for AI, digital adoption, financing, training, and implementation.
The Canada Digital Adoption Program is no longer the main path for new applications, so businesses need a different way to plan AI and digital adoption projects.
BDC states that CDAP stopped accepting new applications for the Boost Your Business Technology stream on February 19, 2024. See the BDC CDAP notice for current program language: BDC Canada Digital Adoption Program.
The practical replacement is a clearer project
CDAP gave many companies a fixed path: plan first, then consider financing or implementation. The useful part of that process still matters. A business still needs to define the workflow, the system gaps, the risk, the budget, and the expected productivity gain before investing in AI, automation, cybersecurity, cloud, or operations software.
Current paths to compare
- DMAP: Ontario Centre of Innovation describes DMAP as support for Ontario SMEs to develop a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan. Program details can change, so confirm eligibility with OCI: OCI Digital Competence Centre.
- TDP: A Technology Demonstration Program path may fit companies that have a defined implementation and meet program requirements.
- BDC LIFT: BDC describes LIFT as a path for AI and digital planning plus implementation financing for eligible businesses: BDC LIFT.
- SR&ED: Some software, automation, data, and technical uncertainty work may need to be reviewed for SR&ED fit.
- Cloud credits and training: Cloud provider credits, partner training, and platform programs can reduce early testing cost.
Where Digid fits
Digid helps businesses convert a vague AI or digital idea into a fundable, buildable project. The work is simple: assess the workflow, compare likely paths, define the implementation scope, and prepare the business to choose the next step with less guesswork.