Ontario digital planning funding

Ontario's DMAP explained: who qualifies and what it pays for

The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan is a planning grant, not a technology-purchase grant. Read the eligibility rules before you spend time on it.

The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) is a stream of the Ontario Centre of Innovation's Digital Competence Centre. It reimburses part of the cost of having an approved Digital Adoption Consultant build a digital adoption plan for your business.

OCI's current DMAP guideline limits the program to a narrow group of businesses. Many Ontario retailers and service businesses are excluded, and for retailers the Retail Modernization Project Grant is the related program.

Compare with the Retail Modernization Project Grant Read OCI's program information

Schkovl is an independent technology services provider. It is not affiliated with, authorized by or endorsed by OCI or the Government of Ontario, and it is not an OCI Digital Adoption Consultant. OCI alone decides eligibility and funding.

Program facts

DMAP at a glance

DMAP reimburses up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $15,000. The applicant contributes at least the other 50%.
OCI's own example: a project with $30,000 of eligible costs receives $15,000, and the applicant contributes $15,000.
The eligible cost is the fee of a Digital Adoption Consultant on OCI's DCC roster, approved by OCI before the project starts and procured in line with the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act (BPSAA).
DMAP is a reimbursement program. The business pays its consultant first. Costs before project activation are not covered, and a final report is due within 30 days of project completion.
Funding is discretionary and not an entitlement. Not all eligible applications are approved.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for DMAP, and who does not

According to OCI's July 2026 DMAP guideline, an applicant must meet all of the following:

Incorporated federally or provincially, with a valid Business Number, and a permanent establishment in Ontario.
For-profit and privately owned, and in operation for multiple years.
Between 1 and 499 full-time-equivalent employees.
Minimum annual revenue of $750,000.
A product company that operates under a business-to-business (B2B) model.
Capacity and intent to adopt and sustain digital technology.

The guideline excludes

Businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations.
Professional services, such as legal, accounting, management, business advisory and marketing firms, and real estate and brokerages.
Corporate chains, franchises and registered charities.
Not-for-profits and multi-level marketing representatives.
Renovation, construction and building businesses.
Product development by software companies.

OCI's public Digital Competence Centre page describes DMAP more broadly than the guideline does. This page follows the guideline. Confirm your situation directly with OCI before relying on either.

What DMAP does not pay for

DMAP pays for the plan, not for the technology in it. It does not fund building or buying a CRM, point-of-sale system, inventory system, application, website or software subscription.

OCI's guideline also lists advertising and promotional campaigns, search engine optimization, website development and market research as ineligible, and its expense guide excludes taxes, infrastructure costs and tangible capital costs.

DMAP or RMPG: you pick one

OCI states that a business can apply to either DMAP or the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG), but not both. RMPG's guideline also excludes businesses that previously received or are currently receiving DMAP grant support.

Because DMAP excludes consumer-facing retail and RMPG is built for storefront retailers, a typical retailer will look at RMPG rather than DMAP. That comparison is an inference from the two guidelines, so confirm it with OCI.

Read the independent RMPG guide

From interest to reimbursement

How a DMAP application works

Submit OCI's intake form. This is not an application.
An OCI Business Development Manager or Digital Adoption Advisor reviews fit and, if appropriate, opens the application in AccessOCI.
Complete the online application, including team CVs and a letter of support from a roster Digital Adoption Consultant.
OCI staff endorse the application, then it goes through OCI's internal review and an external expert committee.
OCI emails its decision. If approved, the business signs OCI's non-negotiable funding agreement.
The project is activated and the plan is built. The business pays the consultant, then submits its claim and final report for reimbursement.

The Digital Adoption Consultant must come from OCI's DCC roster, and OCI currently lists general applications to join that roster as temporarily closed. Check OCI's page for the current status.

Where Schkovl fits, and where it does not

Schkovl is not an OCI Digital Adoption Consultant, is not on the DCC roster, and does not present DMAP funding as paying for its work. OCI's rules also keep consultants vendor-neutral and bar them from acting as a technology vendor, so Schkovl does not offer DMAP planning.

If you decide on a CRM, point-of-sale, inventory or custom application project, whether or not it comes out of a DMAP plan, Schkovl can scope the build as a separate, privately agreed project. Pricing is set after intake. You do not need to hire Schkovl to apply to DMAP.

Start a project inquiry

Clear questions. Careful answers.

DMAP FAQ

What does DMAP pay for?

Fees of an OCI-approved Digital Adoption Consultant on the DCC roster who builds your digital modernization and adoption plan, reimbursed after the work is done.

How much can DMAP reimburse?

Up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000. You contribute at least the other 50%.

Does DMAP pay for software or a CRM or POS build?

No. DMAP pays for the planning engagement. Software, hardware, websites, SEO and advertising are not DMAP costs.

Can a retailer or restaurant get DMAP?

OCI's July 2026 guideline excludes businesses engaged in consumer-facing retail or e-commerce operations. A retailer would normally look at RMPG instead. OCI makes the final call on any business.

Is there a minimum revenue?

Yes. The guideline lists minimum annual revenue of $750,000, along with a product-company, B2B requirement.

Is the intake form the application?

No. An OCI staff member opens the application in AccessOCI after reviewing your fit.

Can I hold DMAP and RMPG?

OCI says you can apply to either, but not both. RMPG also excludes businesses that previously received or currently receive DMAP support.

Is approval guaranteed if I qualify?

No. Funding is discretionary and limited. Not all eligible applications are approved.

Is DMAP the same as Digital Main Street?

No. DMAP is delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. Digital Main Street grants are a separate program.

Is Schkovl affiliated with OCI?

No. Schkovl is independent, is not an OCI Digital Adoption Consultant, and does not approve or administer funding.

Primary sources and independent review

Copy reviewed October 10, 2026. Checked against OCI's July 2026 DMAP guideline and expense guide, which are linked from OCI's program page. Confirm current requirements directly with OCI.