Stream 1 – Grow Your Business Online
With Up To $2,400

Unlock the $2,400 Opportunity for Business Growth

Exciting news! The Government of Canada is extending a $2,400 micro-grant to assist businesses in amplifying their online sales.

Wondering if there’s a catch? Truthfully, not much! This grant has been effectively utilized by various businesses for digital marketing expenses, such as advertising on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google. Additionally, funds have been allocated for integrating AI tools into e-commerce platforms like Shopify, and some companies have even invested in iPads to empower their sales teams.

Now, you might be wondering, why is the government offering this without any hidden agenda?

The Government of Canada initiated this program to support businesses in establishing an online presence, especially after many had to face closures during and after the challenges posed by COVID-19. Their aim is to invest in the success of small and medium businesses, promoting resilience. The strategy involves assisting organizations in transitioning online and enhancing their internal systems.

Ready to explore and benefit from this opportunity? Let’s delve into the possibilities of growing your business online and strengthening your internal processes.

Let’s Check Your Eligibility

As with any government program, specific criteria must be met. To qualify for the Canada Digital Adoption Program – Stream 1 Grow Your Online Sales grant, your business should:

• Operate for profit, including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives.
• Be registered or incorporated.
• Be consumer-facing, directly selling goods and services to end consumers.
• Have at least one employee (excluding the owner) or have generated a minimum of $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year.
• Commit to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for six months.
• Be willing to participate in follow-up surveys, share data about the experience, and consent to having your name published as a grant recipient.

Does this align with your business? If so, for your application, prepare:

• Comprehensive legal information about your business, including the name, contact details, structure, years in operation, and your NAICS code.
• Your business registration number and documents such as articles of incorporation, Sole Proprietorship Registration Statement, or Partnership registration statement.

How to Utilize the Micro Grant

The primary goal of the microgrant is to facilitate the growth of your business online. So, what exactly does that entail?

Get Online:

If your business lacks a website, these funds can be allocated to establish one or install an e-commerce platform, covering subscription and associated costs.

Be Discovered:

Every business craves new clients. Utilize the grant for essential activities like SEO for website optimization, Meta or TikTok Ads, and more. It’s crucial to note that social media can’t stand alone; it needs to be integrated into an e-commerce or digital marketing plan. Services like keyword research, technical and on-page SEO, and backlink building can help attract new customers.

Website Optimizations:

Enhance your existing website by adding tools such as online calendars, booking systems, and electronic payment options. Qualifying activities also include tracking inventory, managing product databases, ensuring cybersecurity, tracking sales and software, and building reporting and analytics capabilities. These optimizations contribute significantly to streamlining operations, converting more website traffic, and safeguarding business assets.

Get Organized, Digitally:

Consider utilizing the grant to cover Customer Relationship Management (CRM) costs. If you’re aiming to centralize customer data and automate processes, expenses for platforms like Hubspot or Salesforce are eligible. Our team of experts is ready to assist with your implementation.

Outsourced Help:

Engage a marketing agency to drive sales for your product or service-based business. The grant can cover costs associated with creating a digital strategy or even managing and optimizing your paid advertising campaigns.

Hardware & Software Purchases:

Invest in essential hardware or software, such as a Point of Sale (POS) system or iPads to digitize your sales experience. This could involve equipping your team with iPads to showcase products or services and handle registrations. Keep in mind certain rules; for example, hardware costs are covered up to 20% of the total, and social media ad spend cannot exceed the entire $2,400.

Ready to Begin?

Your business meets the eligibility criteria, and you’ve outlined some exciting ideas for utilizing the $2,400. Excellent! Here’s your roadmap:

1. Commence Your Application:
   • Take the first step by initiating your application process. The approval turnaround can be remarkably swift!
2. Engage with Your Marketing Agency:
   • If you already have a marketing agency or wish to explore options, schedule a conversation to outline your vision. Alternatively, set up a meeting with us to discuss your needs.
3. Connect with CDAP Stream 1 Advisor (e.g., Business Link in Alberta):
   • Establish contact with the CDAP Stream 1 Advisor. In Alberta, this is facilitated through Business Link. They will guide you through program details and furnish you with a tailored spending plan template.
4. Reach Out to Sensible Marketer:
   • Connect with us at Sensible Marketer. We’ll collaborate with you to fine-tune and gain approval for your spending plan. Our team is ready to assist you at every step.

Prepare to seize this opportunity, and let us support you in maximizing the impact of the $2,400 for the advancement of your business!

Seize the Opportunity for $2,400

While our parents always reminded us that money doesn’t grow on trees, here’s a remarkably straightforward grant – and the best part? You don’t have to pay it back! Don’t miss out; take advantage of it today!

Additionally, if you’re keen on incorporating more digital software or platforms into your business, explore CDAP Stream 2 – Boost Your Business Technology. This grant offers $15,000 to kickstart your planning and provides access to a $100,000 interest-free loan.

As accredited Digital Advisors, we’re here to assist you in growing your business and positioning yourself for success.

How Sensible Marketer Can Support You

Since earning approval as CDAP Digital Advisors in October 2022, our team has been instrumental in aiding numerous Canadian businesses in enhancing their online sales and advancing their technology.

Since 2017, we’ve been dedicated to assisting businesses across various industries, including SaaS (tech), Taxes, Utilities, Fashion, Homes, CPG, Manufacturing, Tourism, and more. Our focus has always been on formulating winning marketing strategies, executing them effectively, and integrating technology for sustained success.

Ultimately, the key lies in understanding the unique aspects of your product or service, along with the target customers, and then applying tailored strategies to win them over.

Under the Canada Digital Adoption Program, we’ve collaborated with small businesses, guiding them through the setup of their initial Digital Marketing Campaigns, and assisting in identifying the technology required to optimize their websites. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology serves as the backbone, enhancing business efficiency, consistency, and productivity.

Our team, entirely based in Alberta, consists of marketing strategists, copywriters, designers, and a development team spread across Calgary, Airdrie, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park. We stand ready to be the team that helps you navigate where to start, optimize your existing assets, or implement automation practices in line with current best practices.