The Business Tech Solution Program

Business Tech Solution Program

October 15th, 2020

The federal and provincial governments announce more than $2.7 million to help businesses access digitalization tools and technology solutions.  

OVID-19 has had a severe impact on small businesses across Atlantic Canada. As the pandemic has reshaped how people shop, doing business online is now more important than ever. That is why the federal and provincial governments are helping local companies adapt to offer online sales and services and develop new digital capabilities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Business Tech Solutions Program?

NATI’s Business Tech Solutions Program is in response to the impact on businesses from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the need to assist firms to respond and adjust. The program is made available through funding provided by ACOA and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program will support businesses to acquire technology solutions and processes, pivot their business/delivery models, and generate online sales. Participating commercial entities will receive a 90 per cent non-repayable contribution towards eligible project costs up to a maximum of $15,000.

What is its objective?

The program aims to:

  • Enable businesses to develop new ideas for how they can increase or enhance their online sales revenue and service offerings.
  • Provide the necessary financial support to help purchase and implement technologies/digital solutions.
  • Enable access to the necessary expertise to create an effective, efficient online sales system that generates new revenue streams.

Who is eligible?

  • Sole proprietors, partnerships, companies and commercial enterprises operating within Newfoundland and Labrador. 
  • Proposed projects or initiatives should not be in direct competition with local market entities. 
  • Should demonstrate capacity to undertake and complete the project or initiative proposed.

Who is not eligible?

  • Not for profit organizations.
  • Business that is a registered charity.
  • Business that does not conduct and operate in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What are the eligible costs?

Eligible expenses include:

  • Capital costs, including software, equipment and other infrastructure required to implement the expansion.
  • Consultants’ fees and technical support.
  • Skills upgrading and training pertinent to project.
  • Planning related costs.
  • Travel that is considered fundamental to the implementation of the initiative or that facilitates customer interaction and end-user research (provincial government rates and per diems must be applied).
  • Printing materials.
  • Project-related materials and any costs necessary to undertake an approved project.

Ineligible Costs

The following activities are not eligible expenses:

  • Core administrative functions of any organization.
  • Administrative costs.
  • Entertainment.

Application Requirements

  • Applicant identification (business number, contact, etc.).
  • Overall business goals (businesses overall strategic priorities/goals).
  • Objectives and impacts (measurable objectives that your business hopes to achieve through digitalization and map the benefit or impact to the company).
  • Project delivery (project work plan).
  • Budget (project costs and itemized listing aligned with the objectives).
  • Other required documentation (electronic payment enrollment form, copy of articles of incorporation, supplementary information such as proposals from your service provider/consultant or other details).

Note: Ideally, you should start talking to us right away and seek a proposal so that you are ready to apply with a quality submission when the application window is open.

Reporting Requirement

Evidence of work completion (Letter indicating the usefulness of the service provided by the consultant and an attachment including the project deliverable i.e. business plans, studies, reports, documented procedures. All submissions will remain confidential).

Application Details

  • We will be launching the program the week of October 26th.
  • Applications for the program may be submitted from October 26 to November 16, 2020.

Expected Project Duration

Projects must be completed by the 2nd week of March 2021 (about three months total duration to execute the project).

Project Financing Examples

  • If your total project costs are $20,000, then 90% of that is $18,000. However, you will receive a non-repayable contribution of $15,000 from us since maximum funding is $15,000.
  • If your total project costs are $15,000, then 90% of that is $13,500. You will receive the full 90% non-repayable contribution of $13,500 from us since it’s within the maximum funding of $15,000.

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