# CDAP Closed: What Replaced the Canada Digital Adoption Program (2026)

Source: https://grantops.ai/en/blog/canada-digital-adoption-program-guide/
Last updated: 2026-10-14

> **Program status (verified Oct 2026):** the Canada Digital Adoption Program concluded on March 31, 2025 and no longer accepts applications. The sections below describe how CDAP worked for reference; see [What replaced CDAP in 2026](#what-replaced-cdap-in-2026) for current options.

The **Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)** was a federal government initiative designed to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital technologies. Since its launch, CDAP has become one of the most accessible funding programs available to Canadian businesses, offering a combination of a **$15,000 non-repayable grant** and an **interest-free loan of up to $100,000** through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

## What Replaced CDAP in 2026

- **BDC financing** continues to offer technology and digital-transformation loans to Canadian SMEs outside the CDAP program.
- **NRC IRAP** funds technology-driven R&D, including software projects, for SMEs with 1–500 employees — see our [IRAP guide](/en/irap/).
- **Provincial digital programs** (for example Ontario, Quebec and BC digital-adoption and productivity initiatives) vary by province — browse [grants by province](/en/grants/).
- **SR&ED** remains available for digital work that involves technological uncertainty — see [what is SR&ED](/en/blog/what-is-sred-guide/).

The historical guide below is kept for reference. It originally covered everything you needed to know about the CDAP grant: who qualifies, what expenses are covered, how to apply step by step, common mistakes to avoid, and how to maximize the value of your digital adoption plan.

---

## What Is the Canada Digital Adoption Program?

CDAP was created by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to close the digital gap between Canadian SMEs and their global competitors. Research consistently shows that Canadian businesses lag behind international peers in technology adoption, particularly in e-commerce, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

The program operates through two complementary streams:

1. **Boost Your Business Technology Grant**: A micro-grant of up to $15,000 to help businesses engage a digital advisor and develop a digital adoption plan.
2. **BDC Digital Adoption Loan**: An interest-free loan of up to $100,000 to help businesses implement the recommendations from their digital adoption plan.

Together, these two streams give eligible businesses up to **$115,000 in combined support** to modernize their operations, improve productivity, and compete more effectively in digital markets.

### Why CDAP Matters in 2026

The program has evolved since its initial launch. Key developments for 2026 include:

- **Continued federal funding allocation**: The government has maintained CDAP as a priority program in its digital economy strategy.
- **Expanded digital advisor network**: More certified digital advisors are available across all provinces and territories, reducing wait times.
- **Streamlined application process**: ISED has simplified the online portal and reduced documentation requirements based on applicant feedback from earlier cohorts.
- **Increased focus on cybersecurity**: Digital adoption plans now place greater emphasis on cybersecurity readiness, reflecting the growing threat landscape for SMEs.

---

## CDAP Eligibility: Who Qualifies?

Understanding the eligibility requirements upfront will save you time and ensure a smooth application. CDAP has clear, well-defined criteria. If you are new to the Canadian grant landscape, our guide on [how to write a strong grant application in Canada](/en/blog/how-to-write-grant-application-canada/) covers the fundamentals that apply across most federal programs.

### Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Boost Your Business Technology Grant, your business must meet **all** of the following criteria:

| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| **Business type** | Canadian-owned, for-profit business (incorporated or sole proprietorship) |
| **Employee count** | Between 1 and 499 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees |
| **Revenue** | Annual revenue between $500,000 and $100 million |
| **Registration** | Registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and have filed at least one tax return |
| **Incorporation** | Federally or provincially incorporated, or registered as a sole proprietorship with a valid business number |
| **Consumer-facing** | The business must sell goods or services to consumers (B2C or B2B) |

### Who Is NOT Eligible

The following types of organizations are excluded from CDAP:

- **Non-profit organizations** and charities
- **Public sector** bodies and Crown corporations
- **Franchise operations** where the parent company has more than 499 employees globally
- **Businesses that have already received CDAP funding** in a previous intake (one application per business)
- **Businesses primarily engaged in real estate** investment or holding companies with no operational activity

### How to Verify Your Revenue Qualifies

The $500,000 to $100 million revenue threshold is one of the most common sources of confusion in CDAP applications. Here is how ISED determines whether your business meets it:

**Which fiscal year counts?** CDAP uses revenue from your most recently completed fiscal year, as reported on your T2 Corporate Income Tax Return (or T1 for sole proprietorships). If your fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, that is the year they will evaluate. If that return has not yet been filed, they will use the previous fiscal year.

**What revenue counts?** ISED counts total gross revenue from business operations. This includes:

- Revenue from the sale of goods and services
- Recurring subscription or contract revenue
- Revenue from multiple business lines or divisions within the same legal entity
- Revenue earned in foreign currencies (converted to CAD at the exchange rate used in your tax filing)

**What does NOT count toward the threshold?**

- Investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains)
- One-time asset sales (selling equipment or property)
- Government grants or subsidies received
- Intercompany transfers between related entities

**Businesses near the $500,000 threshold** should note that CRA looks at your filed return, not projections. If your most recent fiscal year showed $480,000 in revenue but you expect to exceed $500,000 this year, you do not yet qualify. Wait until you have filed a return showing $500,000 or more, then apply.

**Businesses with multiple entities** need to apply separately for each legal entity. Revenue is not aggregated across related companies. A holding company with $2 million in passive investment income but no operational revenue would not qualify, even if its subsidiaries do.

### Important Nuances

A few additional points that trip up applicants:

- **FTE count, not headcount.** Part-time employees are counted proportionally. Two half-time employees equal one FTE. Seasonal workers are counted based on their average hours over the fiscal year.
- **Multiple related businesses.** If you operate several companies under common ownership, each can apply separately provided each independently meets the criteria.
- **Startups under one year old** may not qualify if they have not yet filed a tax return or cannot demonstrate the revenue threshold.
- **Businesses with fluctuating revenue** (such as seasonal tourism or construction companies) should use their most recent full fiscal year. A single strong quarter does not qualify you if the annual total falls short.

---

## Stream 1: Boost Your Business Technology Grant ($15,000)

The Boost Your Business Technology Grant provides up to **$15,000** to help your business create a comprehensive digital adoption plan with the guidance of a certified digital advisor.

### What the Grant Covers

The $15,000 grant is specifically designed to cover the cost of engaging a **digital advisor**, a certified consultant who will:

1. **Assess your current digital maturity**: Review your existing technology stack, business processes, online presence, and data practices.
2. **Identify opportunities**: Pinpoint areas where digital technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase revenue, or enhance customer experience.
3. **Create a digital adoption plan**: Produce a written plan that recommends specific technologies, platforms, and implementation steps tailored to your business.
4. **Provide cost estimates**: Include realistic budgets for each recommendation so you can plan your investment (and apply for the BDC loan).

### How the Grant Payment Works

- The grant is paid **after** you submit your completed digital adoption plan through the CDAP portal.
- Payment covers **90% of eligible costs** up to $15,000 (i.e., you contribute a 10% co-investment).
- Funds are deposited directly into your business bank account, typically within 4 to 6 weeks of plan approval.

### Choosing a Digital Advisor

This is the most important decision in the entire process. Your digital advisor determines the quality of your plan and, by extension, the success of your digital transformation.

**What to look for:**
- Certification through CDAP's official digital advisor marketplace
- Industry experience relevant to your sector
- References from previous CDAP engagements
- A structured methodology, not just a generic template
- Willingness to provide a sample plan or case study from a similar business

**Red flags to avoid:**
- Advisors who guarantee specific loan approval amounts
- Cookie-cutter plans that are not customized to your business
- Advisors who push specific vendor products without exploring alternatives
- Unusually low fees that suggest the advisor is cutting corners on the assessment

You can search for certified digital advisors through the official [ISED CDAP marketplace](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-digital-adoption-program/en).

---

## Stream 2: BDC Digital Adoption Loan (Up to $100,000)

Once you have your approved digital adoption plan, you can apply for a **BDC Digital Adoption Loan** of up to $100,000 at **0% interest** to implement the plan's recommendations.

### Loan Terms

| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| **Maximum amount** | $100,000 |
| **Interest rate** | 0% (interest-free) |
| **Repayment term** | Up to 5 years |
| **Payment start** | 12-month payment holiday from the date of first disbursement |
| **Security** | Personal guarantee required from business owner(s) holding 25%+ ownership |

### What the Loan Covers

The BDC loan can be used for expenses outlined in your digital adoption plan. Eligible expenses typically include:

- **Software and SaaS subscriptions**: CRM systems, ERP platforms, accounting software, e-commerce platforms, project management tools, cybersecurity solutions
- **Website development and e-commerce**: Building or upgrading your online presence, integrating payment systems, developing mobile-responsive experiences
- **Hardware**: Computers, tablets, point-of-sale systems, networking equipment (when directly tied to digital adoption)
- **Cloud computing and hosting**: Migration to cloud infrastructure, cloud storage, managed hosting services
- **Digital marketing tools**: SEO platforms, email marketing software, social media management tools, analytics dashboards
- **Cybersecurity**: Firewalls, endpoint protection, employee training, vulnerability assessments, incident response planning
- **Training and change management**: Staff training on new technologies and processes (must be directly related to the digital adoption plan)

### What Expenses Does the BDC Loan Actually Cover? Real-World Examples

The categories above can feel abstract. Here is what CDAP-funded implementations actually look like across different industries:

**Retail store ($85,000 implementation):**
- Shopify Plus migration and customization: $24,000 (includes theme development, product migration, and custom checkout flows)
- POS system integration (Shopify POS across 3 locations): $5,000 per location ($15,000 total)
- Inventory management software (Stocky or similar): $6,000 for setup plus first year of subscription
- Customer loyalty and email marketing platform: $4,000
- Staff training on new systems (2-day workshop for 12 employees): $6,000
- Cybersecurity audit and implementation: $8,000
- Website SEO and analytics setup: $7,000
- Cloud backup and disaster recovery: $5,000
- Remaining funds allocated to ongoing support and optimization: $10,000

**Professional services firm ($62,000 implementation):**
- CRM implementation (HubSpot or Salesforce Essentials): $18,000 including data migration and workflow automation
- Cloud migration (on-premise server to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace): $12,000
- Automated invoicing and billing system: $8,000
- Client portal development: $14,000
- Cybersecurity training and endpoint protection: $6,000
- Document management system: $4,000

**Manufacturing business ($95,000 implementation):**
- ERP system (Katana, Fishbowl, or similar): $35,000 including setup, customization, and data migration
- Production tracking and IoT sensors: $20,000
- E-commerce B2B ordering portal for wholesale clients: $18,000
- Quality management software: $8,000
- Cybersecurity hardening (network segmentation, employee training): $9,000
- Integration between ERP, e-commerce, and accounting software: $5,000

**Restaurant or food service ($48,000 implementation):**
- Online ordering and delivery integration platform: $12,000
- Updated POS with kitchen display system: $10,000
- Reservation and waitlist management: $4,000
- Inventory and food cost tracking software: $8,000
- Customer loyalty app: $6,000
- Social media and review management tools: $3,000
- Staff scheduling and labour optimization: $5,000

These examples illustrate that the BDC loan covers a wide range of technology investments. The key requirement is that every expense must trace back to a recommendation in your approved digital adoption plan.

### What the Loan Does NOT Cover

- Salaries and wages for existing employees
- Rent, utilities, and general overhead
- Inventory or raw materials
- Debt repayment or refinancing
- Expenses incurred before the loan approval date

---

## Step-by-Step CDAP Application Process

Here is the exact process to follow, from start to finish. For general advice on structuring strong government funding applications, see our [guide to writing grant applications in Canada](/en/blog/how-to-write-grant-application-canada/).

### Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before starting the application, confirm that your business meets all eligibility requirements listed above. Gather the following documents:

- Most recent T2 Corporate Income Tax Return (or T1 if sole proprietorship)
- Articles of incorporation or business registration
- Payroll records showing FTE count
- Most recent financial statements showing annual revenue

**Tip:** Double-check your FTE calculation. ISED uses a specific formula: total hours worked by all employees in the fiscal year divided by 2,080 (the standard full-time annual hours). If you use payroll software like Ceridian or ADP, you can often pull this number directly from your reports.

**Common mistake:** Submitting a Notice of Assessment instead of the actual T2 return. CDAP requires the return itself, not just the CRA acknowledgement.

### Step 2: Create an Account on the CDAP Portal

Visit the [official CDAP website](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-digital-adoption-program/en) and create a business account. You will need:

- Your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- Business contact information
- Authorized representative details

**Tip:** The authorized representative must be someone with signing authority for the business. If you use an accountant or consultant to create the account on your behalf, ensure they have a formal authorization letter on file. Applications have been delayed when ISED could not verify the representative's authority.

**Common mistake:** Using a personal email address instead of a business email. While not strictly required, using a business domain email speeds up verification and avoids spam filter issues with ISED correspondence.

### Step 3: Submit Your Grant Application

Complete the online application form. The form asks for:

- Basic business information (name, address, industry, number of employees)
- Financial information (annual revenue, fiscal year end)
- A brief description of your digital challenges and goals
- Consent to program terms and conditions

**Tip:** The "digital challenges and goals" section is not evaluated on writing quality, but being specific helps. Instead of writing "we want to improve our online presence," write "we currently process 80% of orders by phone and want to shift 50% of order volume to an e-commerce platform within 12 months." Concrete goals help your digital advisor later and demonstrate genuine intent to the reviewers.

**Processing time:** Applications are typically reviewed within 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive an email notification of approval or a request for additional information.

**Common mistake:** Listing projected revenue instead of actual revenue from your last completed fiscal year. If your numbers do not match your CRA filing, your application will be flagged for additional review.

### Step 4: Select and Engage a Digital Advisor

Once your grant application is approved:

1. Browse the CDAP digital advisor marketplace
2. Interview at least 2 to 3 advisors before selecting one
3. Sign an engagement agreement with your chosen advisor
4. Begin the digital assessment and planning process

**Tip:** Ask each advisor three questions before hiring them: (1) How many CDAP plans have you completed? (2) Can you share a redacted sample plan from a business similar to mine? (3) What is your process for understanding my business before making recommendations? Advisors who cannot answer these questions clearly are likely inexperienced.

**Common mistake:** Selecting an advisor purely based on the lowest fee. The $15,000 grant covers 90% of the advisor's cost, so the difference between a $12,000 advisor and a $16,000 advisor is only $400 out of pocket (10% of the $4,000 difference). Saving $400 on a decision that shapes a $100,000 investment is a poor trade-off.

### Step 5: Complete Your Digital Adoption Plan

Work with your digital advisor to complete the plan. A strong plan typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to develop and includes:

- Current-state digital maturity assessment
- Gap analysis
- Prioritized recommendations with timelines
- Cost estimates for each recommendation
- Expected ROI and business impact

**Tip:** Be actively involved in the planning process. The advisor brings technology expertise, but you bring business knowledge. Challenge recommendations that do not align with your operational reality. A plan that recommends a $40,000 ERP system for a 5-person service business may be technically correct but operationally impractical.

**Common mistake:** Treating the plan as the advisor's responsibility alone. Businesses that delegate the entire process without engagement end up with generic plans that do not reflect their actual needs, leading to poor implementation outcomes.

### Step 6: Submit Your Plan and Claim the Grant

Upload the completed digital adoption plan through the CDAP portal. Once reviewed and approved, your grant payment will be processed.

**Tip:** Review the plan thoroughly before submission. Ensure all cost estimates are realistic and that the plan does not include expenses that fall outside CDAP's eligible categories. Plans that include ineligible expenses (like staff salaries) will be sent back for revision, adding weeks to the process.

**Common mistake:** Not keeping copies of all invoices and receipts from your digital advisor engagement. You will need these for the grant claim, and ISED may audit them later.

### Step 7: Apply for the BDC Loan (Optional)

If you want to implement the plan using the interest-free BDC loan:

1. Contact BDC directly or apply through the CDAP portal
2. Submit your approved digital adoption plan
3. Provide additional financial documentation as requested by BDC
4. Upon approval, receive funds and begin implementation

**Tip:** BDC evaluates your ability to repay the loan, so prepare a cash flow projection showing how your business will service the repayments after the 12-month holiday. Even though the loan is interest-free, BDC will decline applications where repayment capacity is questionable.

**Common mistake:** Assuming the loan is automatic once the plan is approved. BDC conducts its own credit assessment independently. Businesses with poor credit history, significant existing debt, or insufficient cash flow may be approved for a reduced amount or declined entirely.

---

## Common CDAP Application Mistakes to Avoid

Beyond the step-specific mistakes outlined above, these are the most frequent errors that delay or derail CDAP applications:

### 1. Misunderstanding the FTE Calculation

Many applicants count heads instead of full-time equivalents. A business with 3 full-time employees and 10 part-time workers averaging 15 hours per week has approximately 6.6 FTEs, not 13 employees. Conversely, a business with only contract workers and no employees may fall below the 1 FTE minimum. Owner-operators count as 1 FTE if they work full-time in the business.

### 2. Applying Before Filing Your Tax Return

CDAP requires at least one filed tax return with CRA. If your business incorporated in January 2026 and has not yet completed a fiscal year, you cannot apply until you file. There is no workaround for this requirement.

### 3. Starting Implementation Before Loan Approval

Expenses incurred before BDC loan approval are not eligible. Some businesses get excited after receiving their digital adoption plan and start buying software or hiring consultants immediately. Those costs cannot be reimbursed through the BDC loan. Wait for formal approval before spending.

### 4. Choosing an Advisor Who Is Not in the CDAP Marketplace

Your digital advisor must be listed in the official CDAP marketplace to be eligible. Engaging a non-certified advisor, even if they are excellent, means you cannot claim their fees under the grant. Always verify certification before signing an engagement agreement.

### 5. Not Aligning the Plan with Loan-Eligible Expenses

Some digital adoption plans include recommendations that fall outside BDC loan eligibility, such as hiring full-time staff or purchasing inventory. While these may be valid business strategies, they cannot be funded through CDAP. Ensure your advisor understands what the loan covers and structures recommendations accordingly.

### 6. Submitting Incomplete Financial Documentation

BDC requires detailed financial records for the loan assessment. Missing documents (interim financial statements, accounts receivable aging, debt schedules) trigger follow-up requests that can add 4 to 6 weeks to the process. Prepare a complete financial package before applying for the loan.

---

## CDAP vs Provincial Digital Programs

CDAP is a federal program, but several provinces operate their own digital adoption initiatives. Understanding how they compare helps you decide which to pursue, or whether to stack multiple programs together.

### Ontario: Digital Main Street

Ontario's Digital Main Street program targets small businesses and provides:

- **ShopHERE**: A free program to help businesses build an online store (fully funded, no cost to the business)
- **Digital Transformation Grants**: Up to $2,500 for digital marketing, e-commerce, and technology adoption
- **Digital Service Squad**: Free one-on-one support from digital specialists

**How it compares to CDAP:** Digital Main Street is smaller in scope and funding. The $2,500 grant is useful but covers far less than CDAP's $15,000. However, there is no revenue minimum, making it accessible to micro-businesses that do not qualify for CDAP. You can use Digital Main Street for initial digital presence and then apply for CDAP for more advanced transformation.

### British Columbia: Digital Programs

BC offers several digital support programs through various agencies:

- **Innovate BC** programs that support technology adoption in specific sectors
- **BC Tech Association** resources for digital skills and transformation
- Various regional economic development programs with digital components

**How it compares to CDAP:** BC's programs tend to be sector-specific or region-specific rather than broadly available. They often focus on skills development rather than technology acquisition. CDAP provides larger, more flexible funding. BC businesses should apply for CDAP first for the major investment, then explore provincial programs for supplementary training or sector-specific support.

### Quebec: Digital Programs

Quebec provides digital transformation support through:

- **Investissement Quebec**: Financing and grants for technology adoption, including the ESSOR program
- **PME MTL** (Montreal region), Digital strategy consulting and grants for Montreal-area businesses
- **Ministere de l'Economie**: Various programs supporting innovation and productivity through technology

**How it compares to CDAP:** Quebec's programs often provide larger funding amounts for qualifying projects but have more complex application processes and longer review timelines. CDAP is simpler and faster. Quebec businesses frequently stack CDAP with provincial programs: use CDAP for the digital strategy and initial implementation, then apply to Investissement Quebec for larger-scale technology investments.

### Can You Stack CDAP with Provincial Programs?

Yes, in most cases. The key rule is **no double-dipping**: you cannot use both CDAP and a provincial grant to pay for the exact same expense. However, you can use CDAP for one set of expenses (e.g., the digital advisor and initial software implementation) and a provincial program for different expenses (e.g., staff training or additional hardware).

Document everything carefully. Keep separate invoices and receipts for expenses claimed under each program. Auditors from both federal and provincial programs will verify that no overlap exists.

---

## How to Maximize Your CDAP Investment

Based on what we have seen from hundreds of Canadian businesses going through this process, here are the strategies that deliver the best results.

### Treat the Plan as a Strategic Document, Not a Checkbox

The digital adoption plan is not just a requirement to unlock funding. Businesses that treat it as a genuine strategic exercise, involving key stakeholders, questioning assumptions, and prioritizing ruthlessly, get dramatically better outcomes than those who rush through it.

### Combine CDAP with Other Programs

CDAP is stackable with many other government funding programs. Depending on your province and industry, you may also qualify for:

- **[SR&ED tax credits](/en/sred/)** for any R&D component of your digital transformation, such as developing custom software or proprietary algorithms
- **[IRAP funding](/en/irap/)** if your project involves technology innovation, particularly for businesses developing novel digital tools rather than implementing off-the-shelf solutions
- **[Clean technology tax credits](/en/blog/clean-technology-tax-credits-canada/)** if your digital adoption includes energy-efficient systems, smart building technology, or other clean technology components
- **Provincial digital adoption programs** (Ontario, Quebec, and BC all have complementary programs as outlined above)
- **CanExport** if your digital adoption supports export growth

Use [GrantOps' free AI matching tool](/en/programs/) to find all programs you qualify for simultaneously.

### Do Not Underspend on the Advisor

The $15,000 grant covers most of a good advisor's fee. Choosing a cheap, inexperienced advisor to "save" on the co-investment is a false economy, a weak plan leads to a weak implementation, which means a poor return on the $100,000 loan.

### Plan for Change Management

Technology adoption fails when people resist it. Budget a portion of your BDC loan for training, onboarding, and change management. The best technology in the world is worthless if your team does not use it.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I apply for CDAP if I already have a website and use some digital tools?

Yes. CDAP is not limited to businesses with zero digital presence. The program is designed to help businesses at all levels of digital maturity, from those with no online presence to those looking to optimize existing systems. Your digital advisor will assess your current state and identify opportunities for improvement regardless of your starting point.

### How long does the entire CDAP process take from application to funding?

The full timeline from initial application to receiving BDC loan funds is typically **3 to 6 months**. The grant application review takes 2 to 4 weeks, developing the digital adoption plan takes 4 to 8 weeks, and BDC loan processing takes an additional 4 to 6 weeks. You can speed things up by having your documentation ready before you apply and by being responsive to any requests for additional information.

### Is the $15,000 grant taxable?

Yes. The Boost Your Business Technology Grant is considered taxable income for your business. You should factor this into your financial planning and consult with your accountant. However, the expenses you incur (the digital advisor fee) are deductible business expenses, so the net tax impact is typically minimal.

### Can I use the BDC loan to hire a developer or IT staff?

No. The BDC Digital Adoption Loan is intended for technology acquisition and implementation costs, not for ongoing salaries. However, you can use the loan to pay for **contract developers or implementation consultants** who are engaged specifically to implement the recommendations in your digital adoption plan.

### What happens if I cannot repay the BDC loan?

The loan is a real financial obligation secured by a personal guarantee. If your business cannot repay, BDC will work with you on a repayment plan, but ultimately the personal guarantee means the business owner is personally liable. That said, the 0% interest rate and 12-month payment holiday provide significant cushion. Ensure the investments you make will generate enough return to cover repayment.

### Can I apply for CDAP if I received funding from a provincial digital adoption program?

In most cases, yes. CDAP is a federal program, and receiving provincial funding does not automatically disqualify you. However, you cannot use CDAP funds to pay for the same expenses already covered by provincial funding, there must be no "double-dipping" on identical line items.

### What industries are most commonly approved for CDAP?

CDAP does not restrict eligibility by industry. Approved businesses span retail, professional services, manufacturing, food and beverage, construction, healthcare (private practices), agriculture, tourism, and technology. The program is industry-agnostic, the key requirements are the employee count and revenue thresholds.

---

## Is CDAP Right for Your Business?

If you are a Canadian SME with revenue between $500,000 and $100 million and you have not yet developed a formal digital strategy, CDAP is one of the most straightforward funding programs available. The combination of a non-repayable grant and an interest-free loan is rare in the Canadian funding landscape.

CDAP is one of many [non-dilutive funding options for Canadian startups](/en/blog/non-dilutive-funding-canadian-startups/) that let you grow without giving up equity. And it is just one of 6,000+ Canadian funding programs tracked in the GrantOps app. Many companies qualify for multiple programs simultaneously without realizing it. See our [top Canadian business grants for May 2026](/en/blog/top-canadian-business-grants-may-2026/) for more programs currently accepting applications.

**[Find all programs you qualify for, free AI matching](/en/programs/)**

GrantOps scans federal, provincial, and municipal programs across Canada and matches them to your business profile in minutes. You may be leaving significant funding on the table beyond CDAP.

**[Start free — match your business to 6,000+ tracked programs](https://app.grantops.ai/auth?mode=signup)**

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