Unlocking Business Growth: How to Apply for the CDAP $2400 Grow Your Business Online Grant

The CDAP $2400 Grow Your Business Online grant is a program to boost sales for your small business by enhancing your online game with some solid backing from federal and provincial funds. This grant is all about building your digital strategies and e-commerce skills so you can really shine in today’s digital world.

The last day to apply for grant funds is Monday, September 30, 2024. Apply now so you don’t miss out!

Let’s get you started!

Check out our video guide that walks you through the application process step by step.

Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need to do to apply:

Step 1: Visit the WMSH Website

Start by visiting the We Make Stuff Happen website and navigate to the $2400 Grow Your Business Online page. Here, you’ll find detailed information about the grant.

Step 2: Apply on the Official CDAP Website

Once you know you qualify, proceed to the official CDAP website. Scroll down the page and click on the dark yellow ‘Apply Now’ button.

Step 3: Select Your Province

The next page will be the Get Started page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the dropdown menu to select your province.

Step 4: Choose Your Grant Administrator

You will now see a list of grant administrators for your province.

For those in British Columbia—like us—here are some insights specific to BC, though the steps are similar across Canada. If your business qualifies as an Aboriginal business, select the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Select Alacrity or Small Business BC if your business does not qualify as an Aboriginal business in BC. We find Alacrity easier to apply for due to its streamlined application process. Small Business BC, does however require more documentation but offers hands-on advisors to help craft a spending plan and provide additional resources. As a business owner, you have that choice.

Step 5: Access the Grant Administrator’s Information Page

After you select your grant administrator, you’ll be sent to the grant administrator’s CDAP page. Click on the orange ‘For Business’ button to go to the Grow Your Business Online application page.

Step 6:  Access the Grant Administrator’s Application

On the CDAP – Grow Your Business Online page, click on the blue ‘Apply Now’ button just below the heading on the page.

Step 7: Complete the Application Steps

Fill in your business details, including how many years you have been in business, the legal business name, and federal business number. This number is different from your BC license and is used, among other things, for GST purposes.

Step 8: Document Uploads

The application requires specific documents to verify your business identity, such as articles of incorporation or recent tax returns. Upload these as PDFs.

Here’s a list of documents. You only need to submit one of these documents.

• BC Registry Services: Notice of Articles
• Statement of account for current source deductions – PD7A (Statement of account for current source deductions) (last 12 months)
• Corporation notice of assessment (Corporation income tax assessment)
• GST/HST return notice of assessment (Notice of assessment for goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST)

Step 9: Describe Your Current Online Presence

Indicate if your business has a website or social media that lacks e-commerce capabilities. Also, mention any current digital marketing activities like Facebook ads or Google ads.

Step 10: Explain Your Needs

Summarize why you are applying for the grant. Whether it’s to increase customer base, improve online payments, or enhance SEO strategies, be clear about your goals.

Step 11: Select WMSH as Your Trainer

If you prefer to work directly with us at We Make Stuff Happen, specify this in your application. Otherwise, you will be automatically matched with a trained e-commerce advisor.

Step 12: E-commerce Specifics

Specify what e-commerce solutions you need, like Stripe, Square, or WooCommerce. Consider if you need additional features like a chatbot, booking calendar or a newsletter opt-in, and estimate the costs.

Step 13: Marketing and SEO

Allocate your SEO budget. For example, you might spend $1200 on SEO to optimize your site for better Google rankings and allocate the remainder to other digital marketing strategies.

Step 14: Final Details

Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria of having at least one employee or $30,000 in sales and agree to maintain the strategies implemented for at least six months post-grant.

Submission and Follow-Up

After submission, monitor your email for any follow-up questions or approval notifications. You’ll receive a confirmation email confirming that your application has been received

Please note: it typically takes 4 to 6 business weeks to receive your grant approval email.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance during your application process.

We’re here to help your business succeed online!