DTAPP represents a significant investment into the Canadian economy. It is designed to speed up the rate at which Canadian SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in all sectors adopt digital technology and build digital skills. The DTAPP team provides eligible organizations with access to expertise in the digital technology adoption field, and may also provide financial assistance.

The objective of the pilot is to help SMEs boost their productivity, which in turn will create economic growth and opportunity. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) says that investments in digital technologies have been shown to enable business transformation and innovation, leading to advances in productivity and job creation.

The pilot program, which launched in October, will run until March 31, 2014. DTAPP is expected to assist about 630 SMEs over these next three years. Eligible firms may receive a financial contribution of up to $99,999. Off-the-shelf hardware and software would not be covered under the grant, but the following items could be covered: internal labour costs, contractors, travel & training, and hiring of recent college graduates.

Eligible firms may also receive advice from Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) that could include: diagnostic services, cost/benefit analysis, as well as access to expertise, facilities and workshops related to technology adoption. ITAs can also help identify and source the appropriate technologies and training for your operation.

Is your company eligible to receive assistance from the NRC through the DTAPP team?

Your firm must :
-be incorporated and for-profit
-operate in Canada
-have 500 employees or less
-be currently seeking opportunities to adopt digital technology with the goal of increasing your firm's productivity

For more information on the program and eligibility, head to www.nrc.gc.ca/irap/dtapp or call toll-free: 1-855-453-3940