Many Ontario main street businesses know they need better websites, booking tools, or digital systems. But paying for those upgrades can be hard. The Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant helps eligible brick-and-mortar businesses cover the cost of going digital with non-repayable funding. The program is run by Digital Main Street and backed by the Ontario government.
This guide explains who qualifies, what the grant covers, and how to apply step by step.
The Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program gives funding to small, customer-facing businesses so they can adopt digital tools and technology. The goal is to help businesses improve online sales, digital marketing, customer management, and back-office work.
Key facts:
This grant is not automatic. You must finish required training and assessments before you can apply.
To qualify for the Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant, your business must meet all of these conditions:
Not eligible:
The Digital Transformation Grant provides reimbursement-based funding for eligible digital adoption costs. The amount of funding and application periods can change. Always check the current limits with the program before you apply.
Important to know:
The grant supports digital upgrades that improve how your business sells, markets, and operates.
Common eligible expenses include:
Expenses must match your approved plan and be incurred after approval.
For a broader view, see also: What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Applying for the Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant involves mandatory preparation. Each step must be completed in order.
You must first finish:
If you skip this step, you cannot access the grant.
Once you are eligible, apply through the Digital Main Street portal. Make sure your application clearly connects your requested expenses to your transformation plan.
Only start spending after you get approval. Save all invoices, receipts, and proof of payment.
After you finish your project, send in your documentation to get reimbursed.
If you want to check if your business fits the Digital Main Street requirements before starting the training, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help.
Applying before completing the training
The assessment and Digital Transformation Plan are mandatory. Skipping them leads to automatic rejection.
Starting work too early
Costs incurred before approval are not reimbursed.
Assuming online-only businesses qualify
A physical, customer-facing location is required.
Submitting vague expense descriptions
Every cost must clearly tie back to your approved transformation plan.
Q: Do I need to complete the Digital Transformation for Main Street program first?
Yes. Completing the assessment, training, and Digital Transformation Plan is required before you can apply for the grant.
Q: Can franchises apply for the Digital Main Street grant?
Franchise eligibility depends on program rules and intake guidelines. Always check current terms directly with Digital Main Street before applying.
Q: How long does it take to receive funding after approval?
Funding is paid after you submit proof of completed and paid expenses. Timelines vary by intake and volume of applications.
Q: Is the Digital Transformation Grant considered taxable income?
Grants are generally considered business income. Speak with your accountant to understand how it affects your tax situation.
Q: Can I use the grant for multiple digital tools?
Yes, as long as all expenses are approved and clearly linked to your Digital Transformation Plan.
The Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant is a practical digital funding program for Ontario’s brick-and-mortar businesses, but eligibility rules are strict. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including other digital adoption funding. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you plan ahead and avoid missed opportunities.
You may also want to explore:
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